Beatrice Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationBEE-uh-triss / /ˈbiːətrɪs/Latin; Italian; French
Meaning
Latin: she who brings happiness; Italian: blessed
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Beatrice has its roots in the Latin name "Beatrix," which is derived from the verb "beare," meaning "to bring" or "to carry." The name can be interpreted as "she who brings happiness" or "the one who makes happy." The transition of Beatrix into Beatrice occurred through the influence of Old French, where it was adapted as "Béatrice" before entering the English language in the Middle Ages. This linguistic journey reflects the broader cultural exchanges between Latin, French, and English during the periods of Norman influence in England.
Historically, Beatrice has been associated with several notable figures. One of the earliest references is in Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy" (early 14th century), where Beatrice serves as a symbol of divine love and guidance. Additionally, Saint Beatrice of Silva, a 15th-century Spanish saint, contributed to the name's prominence in Christian contexts. The name appeared in various literary works, including Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" (1598), where the character Beatrice is portrayed as witty and strong-willed, further embedding the name in cultural consciousness.
Culturally, Beatrice has been associated with themes of joy, love, and enlightenment, resonating through various artistic and literary expressions. The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its rich historical significance and the positive connotations associated with its meaning. Diminutive forms such as Bea have emerged over time, reflecting affection and familiarity, though the name Beatrice itself has maintained its formal stature throughout the centuries.
Trend Summary
Beatrice has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Beatrix
- Beatriss
- Bea
International Variants
- Beatriz (Spanish)
- Beatrice (Italian)
- Béatrice (French)
Famous people named Beatrice
Beatrice Arthur is an actress best known for The Golden Girls, Maude, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Beatrice Kiddo is a fictional character best known for her role in the Kill Bill film series.
Beatrice Rosen is an actress best known for 2012, The Dark Knight, and The Perfect Guy.
Fictional characters named Beatrice
Beatrice is a fictional character from the play Much Ado About Nothing. She is a sharp-witted woman known for her clever banter and strong independence.
Beatrice is a fictional character from the video game series Dante's Inferno. She is the beloved of the protagonist, Dante, whose journey through Hell is motivated by his desire to save her.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Beatrice was first seen in the United States in 1880. Beatrice has ranked as high as #78 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Michigan, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Beatrice has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Beatrice (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 48 | |
NY | 35 | |
TX | 29 | |
OH | 23 | |
WA | 23 | |
PA | 22 | |
FL | 22 | |
IL | 22 | |
VA | 20 | |
MA | 19 | |
WI | 16 | |
NC | 16 | |
GA | 15 | |
MN | 13 | |
CO | 12 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 87 |
1881 | 87 |
1882 | 123 |
1883 | 126 |
1884 | 167 |
1885 | 188 |
1886 | 192 |
1887 | 262 |
1888 | 316 |
1889 | 352 |
1890 | 417 |
1891 | 485 |
1892 | 541 |
1893 | 564 |
1894 | 684 |
1895 | 814 |
1896 | 870 |
1897 | 942 |
1898 | 1,122 |
1899 | 1,061 |
1900 | 1,382 |
1901 | 1,183 |
1902 | 1,429 |
1903 | 1,439 |
1904 | 1,549 |
1905 | 1,661 |
1906 | 1,679 |
1907 | 1,858 |
1908 | 1,997 |
1909 | 2,105 |
1910 | 2,459 |
1911 | 2,522 |
1912 | 3,205 |
1913 | 3,567 |
1914 | 4,232 |
1915 | 5,342 |
1916 | 5,586 |
1917 | 5,839 |
1918 | 5,907 |
1919 | 5,856 |
1920 | 5,804 |
1921 | 5,968 |
1922 | 5,476 |
1923 | 5,464 |
1924 | 5,271 |
1925 | 4,992 |
1926 | 4,518 |
1927 | 4,240 |
1928 | 3,923 |
1929 | 3,574 |
1930 | 3,390 |
1931 | 2,844 |
1932 | 2,787 |
1933 | 2,410 |
1934 | 2,410 |
1935 | 2,243 |
1936 | 1,955 |
1937 | 1,987 |
1938 | 1,910 |
1939 | 1,778 |
1940 | 1,730 |
1941 | 1,665 |
1942 | 1,771 |
1943 | 1,756 |
1944 | 1,579 |
1945 | 1,358 |
1946 | 1,463 |
1947 | 1,465 |
1948 | 1,433 |
1949 | 1,340 |
1950 | 1,271 |
1951 | 1,283 |
1952 | 1,223 |
1953 | 1,095 |
1954 | 1,083 |
1955 | 1,038 |
1956 | 1,007 |
1957 | 984 |
1958 | 876 |
1959 | 885 |
1960 | 910 |
1961 | 768 |
1962 | 737 |
1963 | 718 |
1964 | 651 |
1965 | 640 |
1966 | 602 |
1967 | 503 |
1968 | 493 |
1969 | 438 |
1970 | 423 |
1971 | 428 |
1972 | 310 |
1973 | 327 |
1974 | 317 |
1975 | 322 |
1976 | 282 |
1977 | 284 |
1978 | 293 |
1979 | 280 |
1980 | 287 |
1981 | 338 |
1982 | 289 |
1983 | 257 |
1984 | 235 |
1985 | 294 |
1986 | 258 |
1987 | 209 |
1988 | 287 |
1989 | 303 |
1990 | 290 |
1991 | 306 |
1992 | 286 |
1993 | 266 |
1994 | 224 |
1995 | 198 |
1996 | 215 |
1997 | 182 |
1998 | 220 |
1999 | 196 |
2000 | 218 |
2001 | 218 |
2002 | 190 |
2003 | 210 |
2004 | 234 |
2005 | 213 |
2006 | 272 |
2007 | 308 |
2008 | 338 |
2009 | 327 |
2010 | 321 |
2011 | 396 |
2012 | 404 |
2013 | 485 |
2014 | 491 |
2015 | 542 |
2016 | 560 |
2017 | 548 |
2018 | 542 |
2019 | 547 |
2020 | 538 |
2021 | 542 |
2022 | 548 |
2023 | 509 |
2024 | 518 |