Everything about the name NOVENA

Meaning, origin, history

The name Novena is of Latin origin and means "nine". It is traditionally given to the ninth child in a family, following the custom of giving names based on their birth order. The name has been used by various saints and religious figures throughout history, which has contributed to its association with faith and devotion.

The most famous historical figure associated with the name Novena is Saint Novena, also known as Saint Monegund or Saint Monaca. She was a French abbess who lived in the 6th century and was known for her great humility and holiness. Despite being born into a wealthy family, she gave up all her possessions to live a life of poverty and service to God. Her feast day is celebrated on November 18th.

In some cultures, such as those found in Italy and Spain, the name Novena is also associated with the traditional nine-day period of prayer and reflection known as the Novena. This period is often observed in preparation for a particular feast day or to commemorate a significant event in one's life.

Overall, the name Novena has a rich history rooted in faith and devotion, making it a meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique and significant name for their child. Despite its uniqueness, however, there is no evidence that Novena has ever been particularly popular as a given name throughout history. Its rarity may contribute to its intrigue and appeal today.

Popularity of the name NOVENA since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

Based on the provided statistics, the name Novena has seen a fluctuating but consistent presence among newborns in the United States over the past six decades.

In 1958 and again in 1997, there were five births each with the name Novena. This indicates that while not exceptionally common, the name was still being used during these years.

The year 2013 saw a slight increase with six newborns named Novena, showing a mild uptick in popularity compared to previous decades.

The years 2016 and 2022 saw five and eight births respectively, suggesting some variation but generally consistent usage over time.

Most recently, in 2023, there were seven births with the name Novena, marking another slight increase in popularity from the previous year.

In total, across these six years, there have been 36 newborns named Novena in the United States. This demonstrates that while not a highly prevalent name, Novena has maintained a steady presence among American baby names over time.