Philomena is a unique and charming name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Greek name Philomela, which means "lover of song" or "enthusiastic about battle". This name has a rich history dating back to ancient mythology.
In Greek mythology, Philomela was a princess who was transformed into a nightingale after she was raped and mutilated by her brother-in-law, King Tereus. Despite her tragic fate, Philomela's song was so beautiful that it moved the gods themselves. Her story has inspired many works of art throughout history, including Ovid's Metamorphoses.
The name Philomena gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, where it was often used as a saint's name. Saint Philomena is believed to have been a young Christian martyr who was tortured and killed for her faith. She became a popular figure of devotion among Catholics, and her feast day is celebrated on August 11th.
Today, Philomena remains a rare but beloved name, often chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and rich history. It is also sometimes used as a shortened form of the name Philadelphia, which means "brotherly love". Whether you're drawn to Philomena for its musical origins or its saintly associations, this beautiful name is sure to make a memorable impression.
The name Philomena has been given to a total of 9,736 babies born in the United States between 1880 and 2023, according to available data.
Looking at the statistics year by year, we can observe several trends:
* In the late 19th century, the number of births with the name Philomena varied between 9 and 36 per year.
* The early 20th century saw a significant increase in the popularity of this name, reaching its peak in 1915 with 284 births. This trend continued until around 1927, after which the number of annual births with the name Philomena began to decline.
* Throughout the mid-20th century, the popularity of the name Philomena fluctuated between a low of 33 births in 1945 and a high of 67 births in 1942. There was an overall downward trend during this period.
* In the late 20th century, the name Philomena became increasingly rare, with fewer than 25 births per year from 1960 onwards. The lowest point was reached in 1972, with only 6 births recorded that year.
* However, since around the year 2000, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Philomena. Between 2000 and 2023, the number of annual births with this name ranged from a low of 15 in 2001 to a high of 92 in 2017.
In summary, while the name Philomena has experienced periods of popularity and decline throughout history, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents seeking a uncommon name for their child.