Flora is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the word "flos" which means "flower". The name has been used throughout history and has been popular in various cultures.
In Roman mythology, Flora was the goddess of spring, flowers, and fertility. She was known for bringing forth beauty and abundance to the world during her reign over springtime. This association with nature and beauty has contributed to the popularity of the name Flora.
The name Flora gained prominence during the medieval period, particularly in Europe. It was often used as a Christian name due to its biblical associations. In the New Testament, Saint Flora is mentioned as one of the early Christian martyrs who died for her faith. This connection with Christianity has further enhanced the name's popularity throughout history.
Flora has also been a popular choice among royalty and nobility. Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom had a daughter named Flora, born in 1849. This royal association may have contributed to the name's enduring appeal among the British aristocracy.
In literature, the name Flora has appeared in various works throughout history. One notable example is Charles Dickens' novel "Little Dorrit", where Flora is one of the main characters. This literary usage may have also influenced the name's popularity.
Today, Flora remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic and elegant name with a strong historical background. Its association with nature, beauty, and fertility continues to make it appealing to many families around the world.
Here are some fascinating statistics about the name Flora in the United States:
From 1880 to 1965, there was a significant fluctuation in the number of girls named Flora each year. The highest point was reached in 1914 with 1152 births, while the lowest was in 1965 with only 181 births.
From 1966 to 1973, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Flora, with fewer than 200 births each year. However, starting from 1974, the numbers began to increase slightly, reaching over 100 births per year consistently until 1985.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was another decline in the popularity of the name Flora, with fewer than 100 births each year. But since 1997, the numbers have started to rise again, reaching over 200 births per year consistently until present day.
In recent years, the name Flora has seen a notable resurgence in popularity, with 460 births recorded in 2021 and 422 births in 2022. This trend suggests that the name Flora is once again becoming more popular among parents in the United States.
Overall, despite fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Flora has been given to a total of 70,026 girls in the United States since 1880.