Conception is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the word "conceptio" which means "conception". It refers to the act of conceiving or forming an idea in the mind.
The name Conception was particularly popular during the Middle Ages in Spain and France, where it was often bestowed upon girls born around the time of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic holiday celebrated on December 8th. This tradition is believed to have started with Queen Eleanor of Castile, who named her daughter Conception in honor of this feast day.
Despite its religious connotations, the name Conception has been used throughout history by people from various backgrounds and religions. It was also the name of several prominent figures, such as Conception Arcaro, a Spanish actress known for her role in Pedro Almodóvar's films, and Conception Romero y de Torres, a Cuban educator who played a significant role in the country's educational reform movement.
Today, while not as common as it once was, the name Conception continues to be used by families around the world. It remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history.
The name Conception has seen a varied number of births annually in the United States over the past century. The earliest data available starts in 1905 with just 5 births. The number of births fluctuated throughout the early to mid-20th century, reaching a peak of 26 births in 1928.
After World War II, the number of births with the name Conception began to decline steadily. Between 1946 and 1970, there were no more than 11 births per year. This trend continued into the late 20th century, with only 5 births recorded in most years between 1974 and 1990.
Despite the decline in popularity, Conception remains a unique and distinctive name choice. It is important to note that statistics do not reflect individual preferences or cultural significance, but rather provide insight into broader trends in naming practices over time.
In total, there have been 676 births with the name Conception recorded in the United States since 1905. This data can be useful for those interested in historic trends related to baby names or for individuals considering the name Conception for their child and looking for information about its popularity throughout history.