Fidelia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "fidelis," which means "faithful" or "loyal." The name Fidelia is often associated with fidelity, trustworthiness, and steadfastness.
The name Fidelia was popularized during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Catholic communities. It was often given to girls born into families who placed a high value on faith and loyalty. Some early examples of individuals named Fidelia include Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, a German Jesuit lay brother who was martyred in the 17th century.
Today, Fidelia is still used as a given name, but it is relatively rare compared to more common feminine names like Mary or Elizabeth. People with the name Fidelia may have ties to Catholic or other Christian communities that value faith and loyalty. However, the name can be found across various cultures and backgrounds, as many people are drawn to its strong and meaningful association with faithfulness.
The name Fidelia has seen a varied trend in its popularity over the years in the United States, with periods of increased and decreased usage.
From 1880 to 2017, there have been a total of 716 babies named Fidelia in the U.S. The name's most popular decade was the 1910s, with a total of 57 births during that time period, peaking at 20 births in 1916 alone.
However, the name has become less common in recent years. After a slight uptick in the 1990s and early 2000s, there were only five births each year between 2004 and 2007, with six births recorded in 2010.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, Fidelia remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich history. Its usage over the years reflects the ever-changing trends in baby naming, as parents continue to seek out meaningful and memorable names for their children.