Precious is a unique and beautiful name of African origin, specifically from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. It is derived from the word "precious" which means highly prized or valuable. This name has been used by both boys and girls but it is more commonly given to females.
The meaning behind this name is profound as it signifies that someone is highly regarded, cherished, or esteemed. This makes it a wonderful choice for parents who want their child's name to reflect how much they are loved and valued from the very beginning of their lives.
In Nigeria, Precious has been popular among the Igbo people for generations. It became even more widespread after Nigeria gained independence in 1960, as many families chose names that reflected their pride in being part of this new nation. Today, Precious remains a beloved name throughout Africa and beyond, often selected by parents who want to give their child an elegant yet meaningful moniker.
One famous person with the name Precious is American actress Precious Doe (born Precious Williams), who gained widespread recognition for her role in the movie "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire." Although she was born with a different given name, she later chose to take on the stage name Precious Doe to honor her late cousin who had gone missing.
Overall, Precious is an enchanting name with deep roots in African culture and history. Its meaning makes it an excellent choice for parents looking for a name that truly represents their child's worth and importance in their lives.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the trend of births with the name Precious in the United States from 1897 to 2023.
From 1897 to around 1945, the number of births with the name Precious fluctuated between 5 and 29 per year. This period saw some increases but overall remained relatively stable and low in terms of frequency.
Starting from 1946, there was a significant increase in the number of births named Precious. The count rose steadily from around 10 births in 1946 to over 500 births in 2001. This trend suggests that the name Precious gained popularity during this time.
The peak popularity of the name occurred between 1985 and 2003, with a total of approximately 7,500 births per year occurring during these years. The highest single-year count was reached in 2001, with 746 births.
After 2003, there was a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Precious. From around 500 births in 2003 to approximately 90 births in 2019, we can observe a steady decrease over time. This trend continued into recent years, with just 69 births recorded in 2023.
In conclusion, while the name Precious experienced periods of popularity and decreased usage throughout history, it reached its peak popularity between 1985 and 2003. Currently, the name is used less frequently compared to previous decades but remains a part of the naming landscape in the United States.