Everything about the name MINERVA
Meaning, origin, history
The goddess Minerva was revered throughout ancient Rome and is often depicted wearing a helmet adorned with griffins, symbols of vigilance and guardianship. She was known for having been born fully grown and armored from the forehead of Jupiter, the king of gods. This mythological tale emphasizes her qualities of strength, wisdom, and independence.
The name Minerva gained popularity during the Renaissance period due to its association with classical learning and culture. It was also favored by some famous individuals such as the 17th-century Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, who named his daughter Minerva.
Today, Minerva continues to captivate people around the world not only for its rich historical background but also because it carries a strong and meaningful message: that wisdom is one of life's most precious gifts. Despite being less common than many other female names, those who bear it are often drawn to its unique sound and profound significance.
Popularity of the name MINERVA since 1880
Birth evolution
Popularity analysis
The name Minerva has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. In the late 1800s, it was quite common, with around 60 to 80 births each year from 1880 to 1899. However, its popularity started to decline in the early 1900s, dropping down to as low as 37 births in 2010.
Interestingly, Minerva saw a resurgence in popularity starting around the mid-1950s, with over 200 births each year from 1955 to 1961. It peaked at 221 births in 1955. However, this increase was short-lived, and by the late 1960s, Minerva's popularity had once again started to decline.
From the 1970s onwards, Minerva has remained relatively rare, with fewer than 100 births per year. It reached its lowest point in recent decades in 2008 and 2009, with only 41 and 37 births respectively. However, it has started to show signs of increasing again, reaching 93 births in 2023.
In total, there have been 15,660 babies named Minerva born in the United States since records began. While its popularity has fluctuated greatly over time, it is clear that the name Minerva continues to be chosen by parents for their children even today.