Beaulah is a unique and uncommon feminine given name of American origin. The name is derived from the English word "beauty," which means "beautiful" or "attractive." It was likely coined as a variation of the names Beatitude, Beauté, or Beata, which also mean beautiful.
The earliest known record of the name Beaulah appears in the early 19th century. However, it did not become popular until the late Victorian era when many parents were looking for distinctive and elegant names for their daughters. Despite its origin, Beaulah has never been particularly common, making it a unique choice even today.
There is no specific patron saint or historical figure associated with the name Beaulah. However, it has been used in literature and popular culture on occasion. For example, Beaulah was the name of a character in the 1932 novel "Beaulah Land" by Zona Gale, which went on to inspire several adaptations for film and television.
In terms of popularity, Beaulah has never ranked among the most common names in any country. According to the Social Security Administration data, it has not even made the top 1000 names given to girls born in the United States since records began in 1879. This rarity makes Beaulah a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In conclusion, Beaulah is a unique and elegant feminine given name of American origin that means "beautiful." While it has never been particularly common, it has a rich history and is associated with beauty and attractiveness.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Beaulah has seen varying levels of popularity over time in the United States.
From 1882 to 1973, a total of 2,273 babies were named Beaulah. The first significant increase in the number of births with this name occurred between 1892 and 1894, with 19 births each year for both years.
The peak popularity of the name Beaulah was reached during World War I, from 1915 to 1919. During these five years, there were a total of 367 births, with the highest number occurring in 1918 with 71 births.
After World War I, the popularity of the name Beaulah declined steadily until the 1940s. However, it remained relatively stable throughout this period, with an average of around 25 births per year from 1940 to 1949.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the name Beaulah became increasingly rare. There were only 8 births each year in 1953 and 1954, and the number of births continued to decline until it reached its lowest point with just 5 births each year in 1963 and 1973.
Overall, while the name Beaulah has seen fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for a name with historical significance.