Petrona is a unique and captivating feminine given name of Latin origin. Derived from the Roman family name "Petronius," which was likely an adjective based on the Latin word "petra" meaning "rock" or "stone." Therefore, Petrona could be interpreted as "little rocky one" or "strong like a rock."
The name Petrona has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. It is believed that the name was first used by members of the gens Petronia, an influential Roman family during the early empire period. One notable figure from this family was Gaius Petronius Arbiter, a Roman author and court official during the reign of Emperor Nero.
Throughout the centuries, variations of the name have appeared in various cultures and languages. For example, in Spanish, it is spelled "Petrona," while in Italian, it is "Petronilla." In some cases, the name has been associated with saints, such as Saint Petronilla, a martyr from the 4th century whose feast day is celebrated on May 31st.
Despite its historical roots and cultural variations, Petrona remains an uncommon yet distinctive name that carries a strong and solid aura. Its unique sound and meaning make it an attractive choice for parents seeking an exceptional name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, we can see that the name Petrona has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States.
The earliest year recorded is 1913 with 5 births, and after a gap of several decades, it re-emerged in 1987 with another 5 births. The 1990s saw some fluctuations: there were 5 births in 1990, then 6 in 1991, followed by 5 in 1993, and so on.
Interestingly, the late 1990s to early 2000s showed an increasing trend in popularity. Starting from 7 births in 1998, it peaked at 26 births in 2020. The most recent data available is for the year 2023, with 21 births recorded.
Overall, since 1913 until 2023, there have been a total of 333 Petrona births in the United States. This indicates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained some level of steady popularity over time. It's also worth noting that there was an increase in popularity from the late 1990s onwards, suggesting a potential resurgence or renewed interest in this name during that period.