Bautista is a masculine given name of Spanish origin and meaning. It comes from the Basque word "batiz", which means "to baptize". Therefore, Bautista translates to "baptist" or "one who baptizes".
The name has its roots in Christian tradition, as it was often given to children who were baptized on the day of their birth or soon afterwards. This practice was common among Basque communities in Spain and other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages.
Historically, Bautista has been popular in Spain, particularly in regions with a significant Basque population such as the Basque Country, Navarre, and La Rioja. It has also gained popularity in Latin America, especially in countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, where Spanish influence is strong.
Today, Bautista continues to be a beloved name among families of Spanish descent or those who appreciate its religious significance and unique sound. While it may not be as widespread as some other Spanish names, Bautista remains an important part of the cultural heritage of Spain and the Basque Country.
The name Bautista has a consistent but relatively low popularity among babies born in the United States over the past two decades. In the year 2001, there were 5 newborns named Bautista. The number of births increased slightly to 6 in 2007 and then again to 7 in both 2008 and 2009. After a brief decline, the number of babies named Bautista rebounded to 8 in both 2011 and 2014. The popularity of the name remained stable at 7 births each year between 2016 and 2017. However, in 2022, there were only 5 newborns given the name Bautista, indicating a slight decrease in popularity compared to recent years.
Overall, over these nineteen years, there have been a total of 60 babies named Bautista born in the United States. While this number is not overwhelmingly high, it does show that the name Bautista has maintained some level of popularity among parents choosing names for their newborns during this time period.