Dante is an Italian male given name derived from the Latin word "dannatus," which means "accursed" or "cursed." However, it is important to note that this etymology is not universally accepted and some sources suggest that Dante might have been derived from the Germanic name Dankard or Dancwart, meaning "dark heart."
The name Dante has a long history in Italian literature. The most famous bearer of this name is undoubtedly Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), an Italian poet and writer best known for his epic poem "La Divina Commedia" (The Divine Comedy). This masterpiece, which explores themes such as faith, morality, and justice, has had a profound impact on Western literature.
In addition to its literary associations, the name Dante has been popular throughout history. According to some sources, it was one of the most common names for boys born in Italy during the late Middle Ages. Today, Dante continues to be a widely used name in Italian-speaking countries and beyond.
Overall, the name Dante is strongly associated with Italian culture and literature, particularly through the works of Dante Alighieri. Its etymology may vary depending on the source consulted, but its historical significance and literary associations make it a notable choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their child.
The name Dante has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. In 1908, there were only 7 babies named Dante. However, by 1996, this number had jumped to 978 births, indicating a growing trend of parents choosing this name for their children.
Throughout the 20th century, there were several periods where the popularity of the name Dante fluctuated. For instance, between 1923 and 1934, the annual number of births with this name ranged from a low of 24 in 1936 to a high of 88 in 1925. This period saw a general decrease in popularity for the name Dante.
However, starting in the late 1940s and continuing into the early 1950s, there was a resurgence in popularity for this name, with annual births ranging from 37 to 59 between 1946 and 1955. This trend continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with peak years including 1967 (156 births), 1972 (255 births), and 1975 (311 births).
The popularity of the name Dante reached its peak in recent decades during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1997, there were a total of 1590 babies named Dante, marking an unprecedented high point for this name's popularity. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with annual births ranging from 1341 in 2010 to 1058 in 2023.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate a consistent increase in the popularity of the name Dante over the past century in the United States. Despite fluctuations throughout various decades, this name has maintained a steady level of popularity and continues to be a popular choice for parents today.