Benigna is a unique and elegant name with Italian origins. It is derived from the Latin word "benignus," which means "kind" or "friendly." The name Benigna was traditionally used for females, but it can also be used as a male name.
The use of the name Benigna dates back to ancient Roman times, where it was often given to girls born into wealthy and influential families. Over time, the name spread throughout Europe, becoming popular in countries such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
One notable figure with the name Benigna is Saint Benigna of Hornes, who lived during the 7th century in present-day Belgium. She was a princess who renounced her royal title to become a nun and eventually became the abbess of a convent. Her pious life and good deeds earned her sainthood after her death.
While not as commonly used today as it once was, Benigna remains a beautiful and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful. Its origins in ancient Rome and its association with kindness make it a timeless and appealing option for parents seeking a name that stands out from the crowd.
Statistics on the given name Benigna reveal a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. The name's popularity seems to have fluctuated over time.
From the earliest recorded year of 1915, there were 9 births with the name Benigna. This number dropped significantly by the following years, with only 5 births each in 1921 and 1922. However, there was a slight increase from 1923 to 1924, with 7 births each year.
Interestingly, the number of births with the name Benigna peaked during the late 1920s, with 9 births in both 1928 and 1929. This peak was not sustained, as the number dropped back down to 5 births in 1930. There were no recorded births with the name Benigna for several years after this until it resurfaced in 1936 with 6 births.
After another gap of over two decades, the name Benigna saw a resurgence in usage with 5 births each in 1961 and 1964. There was another peak in 1987 with 7 births.
In total, from 1915 to 1987, there were 95 recorded births with the name Benigna in the United States. This data provides an interesting snapshot of the popularity trends of this unique name over time.