Inez is a unique and captivating feminine name with a rich history and distinct origins. Derived from the Latin word "inaequalis," which means "unequal" or "not equal," Inez was traditionally given to girls born on the Feast Day of Saint Inez, celebrated on January 5th. This feast day is believed to have originated in Spain during the early Middle Ages.
The name Inez gained popularity as a given name throughout Europe during the medieval period. It was often used among Spanish and Portuguese nobility, but it eventually spread to other regions such as England and France. In some cases, Inez was also used as a shortened form of longer names like Agnes or Beatrice, further contributing to its widespread use.
One notable figure with the name Inez is Inez Milholland (1894-1916), an American suffragist and lawyer who played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement. Her activism and tragic early death have made her an iconic figure in feminist history, but it is important to note that she did not influence the name's popularity or significance.
Today, Inez continues to be a unique and intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive feminine name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Its rarity adds to its charm and allure, making it a standout option for those wishing to give their child a memorable moniker that honors its past while embracing the future.
Here are some statistics regarding the name Inez in the United States:
From 1880 to 1923, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Inez each year, peaking at 2,107 births in 1920. However, starting from 1924, the popularity of the name began to decline rapidly.
From 1924 to 1965, there was a significant decrease in the number of babies named Inez each year. In fact, during this period, fewer than 200 babies were named Inez annually on average.
Starting from 1966, the popularity of the name Inez continued to decline further, with less than 150 babies named Inez each year until the late 1980s. Between 1966 and 1989, there was a significant fluctuation in the number of births for this name, ranging from a low of 54 births in 1992 to a high of 86 births in 1990.
In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Inez. Between 2007 and 2023, the number of babies named Inez ranged from a low of 46 births in 2010 to a high of 127 births in 2023.
Overall, since 1880 until now (2023), there have been a total of 68,036 babies born in the United States who were named Inez.