Jacinta is a feminine given name of Spanish origin and meaning. It is derived from the Spanish word "jacinto," which means hyacinth, a type of bulb flower known for its fragrant purple-blue blooms. The name Jacinta has been popular in Spain since medieval times and was traditionally given to girls born around the time of the Easter season, as the hyacinth is a symbol of springtime.
The earliest recorded use of the name Jacinta can be traced back to 13th-century Spanish literature, where it appeared in the Cantar de Mio Cid, an epic poem about the life of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, also known as El Cid. In this work, Jacinta is mentioned as one of the ladies-in-waiting of Doña Jimena, the wife of El Cid.
Throughout Spanish history, there have been several notable figures named Jacinta. One of the most famous was Saint Jacinta Marto, a Portuguese shepherd girl who, along with her brother Francisco, witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. After her death from Spanish influenza in 1920, Jacinta was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
The name Jacinta has also been used in literature and popular culture beyond Spain. In Gabriel García Márquez's novel "Love in the Time of Cholera," one of the main characters is named Fermina Daza de Azuola, who has a sister named Jacinta. Additionally, Jacinta was the name of the main character's mother in the Mexican telenovela "Esmeralda," which aired in 1997.
While Jacinta may not be as commonly used as some other Spanish girl names, such as Maria or Sofia, it remains a unique and meaningful option for parents looking to honor their daughter's Hispanic heritage. Its association with springtime and its connection to notable historical figures make Jacinta an attractive choice for those seeking a distinctive name with a rich history.
The statistics provided offer a fascinating glimpse into the popularity of the name Jacinta over time in the United States.
From the early 1900s to the late 1940s, the number of babies named Jacinta fluctuated between five and twenty-two births per year. The name's popularity seemed to wane during the Great Depression years (early 1930s), but it rebounded in the post-World War II era.
In the 1950s and early 1960s, Jacinta's popularity grew steadily, peaking at thirty-five births in 1959. This trend continued into the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a significant jump to fifty-two births in 1968 and sixty-two in 1969.
The 1970s saw a dip in Jacinta's popularity, with birth numbers ranging from fifty-eight to ninety-nine. However, the 1980s marked another surge in popularity, reaching a peak of one hundred four births in 1982.
The 1990s and early 2000s witnessed a steady decline in Jacinta's popularity, with birth numbers ranging from twenty-two to forty-two. This trend continued into the late 2000s and early 2010s, with birth numbers consistently below thirty.
In recent years, however, Jacinta's popularity has shown signs of resurgence. From 2017 onwards, there have been at least thirty births per year, peaking at fifty-four in 2017 and thirty-six in 2023.
Overall, the statistics indicate that while Jacinta may not have been one of the most popular names throughout history, it has maintained a consistent presence among American parents' choices for their daughters. The name's popularity appears to ebb and flow with broader societal trends and cultural shifts over time.