Constance is a feminine given name of Latin origin that has been in use for centuries. The name is derived from the Latin word "constans," which means "constant" or "steadfast." It was often used as an epithet for various female saints, such as Saint Constance, who was the wife of Saint Hermann and a martyr during the Roman Empire.
The name Constance gained popularity in the Middle Ages when it was adopted by several royal families in Europe. In France, it was the name of several queens consort, including Constance of Aragon, who married Louis VIII, and Constance of Sicily, who married King Charles IV. In England, the name was popularized by Queen Constance, the mother of King Henry III.
Throughout history, the name Constantine has been associated with strength, courage, and steadfastness. It is often interpreted as meaning "constant" or "steadfast," reflecting qualities such as loyalty, perseverance, and resilience. This association has likely contributed to its enduring popularity over time.
Today, Constance remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters. Its timeless appeal lies in its historical significance, its elegant sound, and its positive associations with strength and steadfastness. Despite its long history, the name feels modern and fresh, making it an excellent option for parents looking for a traditional yet unique name for their baby girl.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Constance has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1915 to 1923, there were consistently fewer than 10 births each year with the name Constance, with a low of just 5 births in both 1915 and 1923. However, starting from 1926, we see an increase in popularity, with 11 births that year.
This trend continued through the late 1920s and early 1930s, reaching a peak of 16 births in 1932. After that, there was another decline, but it didn't return to the levels seen in the 1910s and early 1920s.
In the 1940s, the popularity of the name Constance fluctuated, with a high of 15 births in 1942 and a low of just 7 births in both 1946 and 1955. This pattern continued into the 1950s, with another peak of 14 births in 1952.
The 1960s saw a decrease in popularity again, with fewer than 10 births each year except for 1966, when there were 9 births. After that, we only have data for three years: 1974 (5 births), 1988 (7 births), and 1989 (5 births).
In total, over this period from 1915 to 1989, there were 419 babies named Constance born in the United States. This data shows that while Constance was not one of the most popular names during these years, it still held a consistent level of popularity with parents choosing it for their daughters.