Sabine is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from theLatin word "Sabinus," which means "of Sabine." The Sabines were an ancient Italic tribe who lived in central Italy, and their name is believed to have meant "people from Savium" or "from the rugged mountains."
The name Sabine was popular among the Romans, particularly during the Roman Empire. It was often used as a family name and could also be found as a given name. One of the most famous Sabines in history was the Vestal Virgin Sabine Quinta, who lived during the reign of Augustus Caesar.
In literature, the name Sabine has been used by several notable authors. For example, it is the name of one of the main characters in George Sand's novel "Indiana," and it appears as a secondary character in Charles Dickens' "Bleak House."
Despite its rich history and literary associations, the name Sabine remains relatively uncommon today. It is most commonly found in France, Italy, and other European countries with a strong Roman influence. However, its meaning of "of Sabine" or "from the rugged mountains" makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Sabine has seen a fluctuating popularity over the past century in the United States, with notable peaks and valleys in its usage.
In the early to mid-20th century, the name was quite rare, with only five births recorded in 1916 and 1921. However, it began to gain traction in the 1950s, with a steady increase from six births in 1957 to a peak of 38 births in 1969.
The name's popularity continued to grow throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, reaching its zenith with 92 births in 2006. Since then, Sabine has maintained a consistent level of popularity, with between 64 and 95 births recorded annually from 2013 to 2023.
In total, over the past century, there have been 3,189 babies named Sabine born in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity, Sabine remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents seeking something less common than traditional favorites.