Natalie is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "natalis", which means "birthday". The name has been used since ancient times to celebrate the birthday of a saint or other important figure.
In medieval Europe, Natalie was often used as a female equivalent of the male name Natalus. However, it was not commonly used until the 19th century, when it began to gain popularity in English-speaking countries.
The name Natalie has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Saint Natalie (also known as Saint Natalia), who was a Christian martyr in the 3rd century. She is believed to have died for her faith during the reign of Emperor Diocletian.
Today, Natalie remains a popular given name around the world. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular baby girl names in the United States since the 1980s. The name is also commonly used in other English-speaking countries such as Canada and Australia.
Overall, Natalie is a classic feminine given name with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Its Latin origins give it a timeless and elegant feel, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional yet distinctive name for their daughter.
The name Natalie has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past century in the United States. From just five births recorded in 1880, its usage began to increase steadily from the early 1900s onwards.
Between 1906 and 1955, there were consistent increases year after year, with notable spikes occurring around World War II. The name Natalie reached a turning point in the mid-1950s, with over 600 births recorded in 1956, marking a significant milestone.
The late 1970s and early 1980s were particularly popular decades for the name Natalie, with a peak of over 5,000 births recorded annually between 1976 and 1983. This period saw a substantial increase in its popularity compared to previous years.
However, from the mid-1980s onwards, there was some fluctuation in the number of babies named Natalie each year, although it remained consistently popular with several thousand births per year until around the early 2000s.
After reaching an all-time high of over 10,000 births in 2005, there has been a gradual decline in popularity since then. Nevertheless, Natalie remains a widely used name today, with over 3,000 babies named Natalie each year in recent years.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been over 373,000 births of girls named Natalie in the United States. This demonstrates not only the enduring popularity of this name but also its ability to withstand fluctuations in trends and remain a beloved choice among parents across generations.