Queenie is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Latin word "regina," which means "queen." Therefore, Queenie translates to "little queen" or "queenly one."
The name Queenie has been popular throughout history, particularly in England. Its usage dates back to the Middle Ages when it was often used as a nickname for girls named Regina or other names that ended with "- regina," such as Margaret Regina.
During the Victorian era, Queenie became even more fashionable due to its association with Queen Victoria herself. The name gained further popularity during the 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia.
In literature and popular culture, Queenie has been used as a character's name in several works, most notably in "Queenie" by Hanif Kureishi, a novel about a young woman navigating life in London. The name Queenie was also popularized by the character Queenie in the American television series "The Jeffersons."
Today, Queenie remains an uncommon yet charming name choice for parents looking for a distinctive and regal moniker for their daughter. It has a vintage feel while still sounding modern and approachable.
The name Queenie experienced its peak popularity during the early to mid 20th century, with a significant surge starting from 1914 (54 births) and reaching a zenith in 1927 (64 births). However, it began declining thereafter, dropping below 30 births per year by 1949. Since the late 20th century, the name has seen only occasional usage, with fewer than 20 births recorded each year, except for a brief spike in 2009 (36 births) and 2011-2014 (37-48 births).