Petronilla is a female given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "petra," which means "rock" or "stone," and the suffix "-nilla," which is a diminutive ending. Thus, Petronilla roughly translates to "little stone."
The name Petronilla was quite popular in medieval Europe, particularly among noble families. One of the most notable figures bearing this name was Saint Petronilla, the reputed daughter of Saint Peter the Apostle. According to Catholic tradition, she was martyred during the reign of Emperor Nero around 67 AD.
Despite its historical significance and once-popularity, Petronilla is not a common name today. It has largely been overshadowed by more popular and modern names in recent decades. However, it remains an intriguing choice for parents looking for a unique yet historically significant name for their daughter.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Petronilla in the United States from 1907 to 1935. During this period, there were a total of 57 babies named Petronilla born across these years.
Interestingly, the name's popularity fluctuated over time. It reached its peak twice during this period, with seven births in 1927 and six births in both 1917 and 1920. However, it also had periods of lower popularity, such as between 1909 and 1913 when there were only five births each year.
Despite these fluctuations, it's notable that the name Petronilla maintained a consistent presence throughout this time frame, with at least one birth every year except for 1908 and 1914-1926. This consistency suggests that while the name may not have been extremely common, it was still a recognizable choice among parents during these years.
Overall, these statistics provide insight into the historical trends of the name Petronilla in the United States, highlighting its peaks and valleys over time.