Dominick is a masculine given name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "Dominicus," which means "belonging to the Lord." The name was originally used as an adjective to describe something that belonged to the lord or master.
The name Dominick is believed to have been first used as a given name in the Middle Ages. It became popular among the nobility of Italy and France, where it was often bestowed upon male children born into wealthy or powerful families.
Over time, Dominick became associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous Dominicks was Saint Dominic (1170-1221), a Spanish priest who founded the Dominican Order, a mendicant religious order within the Catholic Church. His followers were known as "Dominicans," and they wore white habits to symbolize purity.
Another notable Dominick was Dominick de Guzman (1498-1540), a Portuguese nobleman who became a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He was known for his acts of charity and kindness towards the poor and sick.
Today, Dominick remains a popular given name among Italian-American families and has gained popularity in other countries as well. While it may have been traditionally associated with Italian culture, Dominick is now used globally and can be found among people from diverse backgrounds. Despite its historic roots, the meaning of Dominick continues to evolve over time, reflecting the unique experiences and identities of those who bear this name.
The name Dominick has a rich history of usage in the United States, with a total of 66,167 births recorded between 1881 and 2023. The popularity of the name has varied over time, with periods of high usage followed by periods of decline.
In the late 19th century, there were fewer than ten births per year for the name Dominick. This trend continued into the early 20th century, with a steady increase in usage, reaching a peak of 567 births in 1916. The following year, however, saw a decline to 508 births.
The period between 1930 and 1940 was marked by a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Dominick, with fewer than 250 births per year recorded each year during this time. This trend continued into the 1950s, with a low of just 235 births in 1938.
However, beginning in the mid-1950s, there was a resurgence in the popularity of the name Dominick. Between 1954 and 1967, the number of births for the name increased significantly, reaching a peak of 338 births in 1963.
After this peak, usage of the name Dominick declined again, reaching a low of just 256 births in 1967. This trend continued into the early 1970s, with fewer than 300 births recorded each year during this time.
However, beginning in the late 1970s, there was another increase in the popularity of the name Dominick. Between 1978 and 1984, the number of births for the name increased significantly, reaching a peak of 551 births in 1989.
After this peak, usage of the name Dominick declined again, reaching a low of just 667 births in 2020. However, there was another increase in popularity in recent years, with 778 births recorded in 2018 and 711 births recorded in 2019.
Overall, the name Dominick has experienced periods of high and low usage over time in the United States. While it is not one of the most popular names, it has maintained a steady presence throughout history.