Pascual is a Spanish name derived from the Latin word "Pascha," which means Easter in English. It is traditionally given to boys born around this time of year, as it was believed that these children were especially blessed by God.
The name Pascual has been popular throughout history, particularly in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. One notable figure with this name was Pascual Jordan (1902-1980), a German physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics.
In literature, Pascual is also featured as a character in "Cien años de soledad" ("One Hundred Years of Solitude"), a renowned novel by Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez. This further demonstrates the enduring appeal and relevance of this name across different periods and cultures.
Today, Pascual continues to be chosen by parents for their children due to its unique sound and historical significance. It is a strong, distinctive name that stands out while still being accessible and easy to pronounce in various languages. For those looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name with deep roots in Spanish culture and history, Pascual could be an excellent choice.
The name Pascual has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth in 1888 and the most recent in 2023. Over this period, there have been a total of 2,982 births.
The popularity of the name varied significantly throughout the years. In the early 1900s, there were fewer than 15 births per year. However, from the late 1910s to the mid-1930s, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Pascual, with a peak of 47 births in 1923.
After this period, the popularity of the name began to decline, dropping below 25 births per year from the late 1930s to the early 1960s. However, there was another brief increase in the popularity of the name in the mid-1970s, with over 30 births each year between 1974 and 1982.
Since then, the number of babies named Pascual has remained relatively stable, with fewer than 50 births per year. However, there have been some recent fluctuations, with a peak of 42 births in 2020 and a drop to 28 births in 2021, followed by an increase to 40 births in 2022.
Despite these fluctuations, the name Pascual has maintained a consistent presence in the United States over the past century. It will be interesting to see how its popularity evolves in the coming years.