Narcissus is a male given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "narkissa," which means "daffodil." According to Greek mythology, Narcissus was a handsome young man who fell in love with his own reflection while leaning over a pool of water. He became so enamored with his image that he could not leave it and eventually wasted away and died.
The name Narcissus is most commonly associated with the mythological figure of the same name, but its use as a given name predates this story. The name was likely first used as a personal name in ancient Greece, where it may have been chosen for its association with the daffodil flower, which was considered a symbol of beauty and springtime.
Today, Narcissus is a relatively rare given name for males, but it continues to be used in some cultures. In France, for example, Narcisse has been a popular boy's name for centuries, and it remains in use today. The name has also appeared in literature throughout history, most notably in the works of the Roman poet Ovid.
Overall, Narcissus is a unique and distinctive given name with a rich history rooted in ancient Greek mythology and culture. While it may be less commonly used today than some other boy's names, its association with the mythological figure of Narcissus ensures that it remains a name with lasting appeal and intrigue.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Narcisse born in the United States each year from 1912 to 1993. In 1912 and 1914, there were five births each year with the name Narcisse. The following years saw a slight increase, with six births recorded in 1918. After a significant gap of several decades, the name reemerged with another five babies named Narcisse born in 1993.
Over this period, the total number of babies named Narcisse born in the United States was 21. This data set demonstrates the rarity of the name Narcisse, as it only appears among birth records for these specific years and totals a relatively small number of occurrences overall.