Napoleon is a name of French origin, derived from the Italian word "napoli," which means "new town." The name gained significant popularity during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor who rose to power in late 18th century France.
Prior to Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to prominence, the name was relatively uncommon. However, following his conquests and ultimate coronation as Emperor of the French, the name Napoleon became increasingly popular both in France and abroad. It was seen as a symbol of power, leadership, and military prowess.
The name Napoleon has been carried by several notable figures throughout history, including Napoleon Bonaparte's son, Napoléon François Joseph Charles Bonaparte, who was also known as King of Rome during his father's reign. Additionally, the name has been used by various individuals in fields such as politics, literature, and science, further cementing its place in history.
In terms of meaning, the name Napoleon is associated with new beginnings and growth, reflecting its origins as a descriptor for "new town." However, it is perhaps most strongly associated with the historic figure who bore the name, whose legacy continues to inspire and influence people around the world.
Between the years of 1912 and 2009, there were a total of 370 babies born with the name Napoleon in the United States. This number remained relatively consistent over time, with fluctuations ranging from a low of 5 births in several years to a high of 15 births in 1925.
The most popular decade for the name Napoleon was the 1960s, during which there were 87 births per year on average. This was followed by the 1950s with an average of 73 births per year and the 1940s with an average of 72 births per year.
On the other hand, the name Napoleon saw a decline in popularity during the 2000s, with only 5 births recorded each year from 2000 to 2009. Despite this decrease, it is still clear that the name has had a steady presence in the United States for nearly a century.
Overall, these statistics suggest that while Napoleon may not have been one of the most popular names given to babies in the United States over the past century, it has remained relatively consistent and has shown occasional periods of increased popularity.