Contina is a unique and captivating female given name of Latin origin. Its meaning is derived from the Latin word "continentia," which means "self-control" or "moderation." This name has a rich history, with its earliest roots dating back to ancient Roman times.
In ancient Rome, Continentia was a goddess who personified self-restraint and moderation. She was often invoked by those seeking to control their desires and maintain balance in their lives. Over time, the name Continentia evolved into Contina, which became popular as a given name among early Christians.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Contina. One of the most famous is Saint Contina, an Italian noblewoman who lived during the 4th century AD. She was known for her piety and devotion to God, eventually becoming a saint in the Catholic Church.
Today, Contina remains a rare but charming name, often chosen by parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their daughter. Its association with self-control and moderation makes it an appealing choice for those who wish to instill these qualities in their child.
The name Contina has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics from 1970 to 1985.
Starting with just 6 births in 1970, Contina's popularity grew significantly in the early 1970s. The year 1972 marked a peak with 209 babies named Contina, indicating that it was quite trendy at the time. This high level of popularity was sustained for two more years, with 124 births recorded in 1973.
However, after these peak years, the number of babies named Contina began to decline steadily. By 1975, there were only 27 births, and this decreasing trend continued throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. The years 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980 saw just 13, 14, 5, and 8 births respectively.
Interestingly, there was a slight uptick in popularity in the early 1980s, with 8 babies named Contina both in 1980 and 1981. However, this resurgence was short-lived, as only 7 births were recorded in 1982, followed by another low point of just 6 births in 1985.
Overall, over the course of these 16 years, there were a total of 484 babies named Contina born in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity, this name has managed to maintain a steady presence among baby names during this period.