Maude is a unique and distinctive female given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German word "Mahthild", which means "strength in battle". The name was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and it became popular among the nobility during the Middle Ages.
The name Maude has a rich history and has been borne by several notable figures throughout the centuries. One of the most famous Maudes is Queen Maud of Wales, who was also the queen consort of Norway from 1905 to 1938. She was known for her humanitarian work and her support for women's rights.
In literature, Maude Plunkett is a character in Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest". The name has also been used in popular culture, such as in the television show "Battlestar Galactica", where one of the characters is named Maude Plantagenet.
Today, Maude remains a rare but beautiful name that is often associated with strength, elegance, and refinement. It is a perfect choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Maude in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The data reveals a significant decrease in the popularity of this name over time.
From 1880 to around 1915, there were consistently high numbers of births with the name Maude, reaching its peak in 1915 with 771 births that year. However, starting from 1923, there was a gradual decline in the number of babies named Maude.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the number of births with the name Maude fluctuated between 69 and 108 annually. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the popularity of the name had further decreased to single-digit numbers, ranging from 7 to 14 births per year.
Interestingly, there was a slight resurgence in the number of babies named Maude in recent years, with 32 births recorded in 2023. This could indicate that some parents have started to favor more unique and vintage names like Maude again.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there were 45,667 babies born in the United States named Maude. While this name was popular in the late 19th century and early 20th century, its popularity has significantly declined over time. Nonetheless, it appears that the name Maude still holds some appeal for a small number of parents today.