Petula is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "petalum," which means "petal." This name was first used in England during the 19th century, but it has not been widely popular throughout history.
The name Petula is associated with the concept of beauty and delicacy, much like the petals of a flower. It is often given to girls who are loved ones want to express their admiration for their beauty and grace. Despite its Latin origins, Petula is more commonly used in English-speaking countries today, particularly in the United Kingdom.
One notable figure with the name Petula is British singer Petula Clark, who was born in 1932. Her family moved to France when she was young, but she returned to England as a teenager and began her career in show business. She became famous for her songs "Downtown" and "My Love," among others.
While Petula may not be one of the most common names, it is certainly a memorable one. Its unique sound and beautiful meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking for something different for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Petula experienced some popularity in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The peak year for the name was 1968, with a total of 39 babies given the name Petula that year. This figure represents an increase from previous years, such as 1965 which saw only 19 births with the name Petula.
However, after the peak in 1968, there was a noticeable decrease in popularity for the name. In 1969 and 1970, the number of births with the name Petula dropped to 16 and 20 respectively. This trend continued into the early 1970s, with only 6 babies named Petula in 1972, 10 in 1973, and a further decrease to 5 babies each in 1974 and 1977.
Overall, from 1965 to 1977, there were a total of 179 births with the name Petula in the United States. While the name experienced some popularity during this time period, it appears that its usage was not consistent throughout these years. It is important to note that naming trends can vary greatly from year to year and region to region.