Portia is a unique and elegant female given name of Latin origin. It means "firstborn" or "early born" in Latin. The name Portia was popularized by Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," where the protagonist, Portia, was known for her intelligence, wit, and beauty. In the play, she dresses as a lawyer to defend her fiancé in court and ultimately saves his life. Prior to Shakespeare's play, there is little historical evidence of the name being used. However, it has gained popularity since then and continues to be a beloved choice among parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughters.
"The name Portia experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. It was particularly popular between the late 1940s and early 1950s, peaking at 169 births in 1948, before declining steadily until the late 1960s. Since then, its usage has been relatively low, with fewer than 70 births per year on average."