Paschal is a unique and historic male given name of Latin origin. It means "Easter" or "Passover," derived from the Latin word "Pascha," which itself comes from the Hebrew term "Pesach." This name has been used for centuries, particularly in France and other French-speaking regions.
The name Paschal gained prominence during the Middle Ages when it was often given to children born around Easter time. It was also popular among families with strong religious convictions due to its biblical significance. In the New Testament, Christ is referred to as the "Paschal Lamb," symbolizing his sacrifice for humanity's sins.
Notable figures who bear this name include French composer Pascal Dusapin and Swiss mathematician Pascal Bolthausen. However, Paschal remains relatively rare today, perhaps due in part to its pronunciation (which varies by region) and strong association with religious traditions.
Despite its rarity, the name Paschal carries a rich history and deep meaning, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive and significant name for their child. Its connection to Easter also imbues it with a sense of renewal and hope, qualities that many would wish upon their children.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Paschal has been given to a total of 587 babies born in the United States over the years. The frequency of this name's usage shows some fluctuation over time.
In the early 20th century, from 1902 to 1929, there were periods where the name was more popular than others. For instance, in 1926, Paschal was given to 21 babies, which is the highest number of births recorded for this name within that timeframe.
However, after the 1930s, the popularity of the name significantly decreased, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1940 onwards. This trend continued until the late 1970s, with only a few exceptions where more than 5 babies were named Paschal in a given year.
Interestingly, there was a small resurgence in the usage of this name in recent years. In both 2016 and 2021, the name was given to 7 babies, which is higher than the annual averages seen in the preceding decades.
Overall, while Paschal has not been one of the most popular names in the United States throughout history, its usage has shown some interesting trends over time.