Opaline Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: OH-pah-leen /ˈoʊ.pə.lin/
Origin: French; Latin
Meaning: French: 'of opal'; Latin: 'precious stone'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Opaline is derived from the Latin word "opalinus," which means "of or pertaining to the opal," a precious gemstone known for its iridescent qualities. The term itself is rooted in the Greek word "opallios," which is a derivative of "opallios" meaning "to see a change in color." This etymological journey reflects the name's connection to beauty and transformation, as opals are often associated with various meanings in different cultures, including hope, purity, and truth.
The name entered the English language through the influence of French, where "opal" became a popular term for the gemstone, and from there, the feminine form "Opaline" emerged, likely in the 19th century as a way to evoke the delicate and precious nature of the stone. Historically, opals have been revered since ancient times, with references found in Roman texts and among various cultures that believed the stone held protective and healing properties.
In the Middle Ages, opals were considered to be the most powerful of gemstones, as they were thought to possess the virtues of all other gemstones. This cultural significance contributed to the name Opaline being associated with beauty and rarity, paralleling the gemstone's esteemed status.
The name may not have been widely used in historical texts, but its connection to opals has made it a symbol of elegance and charm. Culturally, Opaline resonates with themes of transformation and beauty, much like the opal itself, which displays a spectrum of colors.
The name evokes a sense of grace and delicacy, often associated with feminine qualities. While diminutive forms or variations of the name are less documented, the elegance of Opaline stands on its own, embodying the allure of the opal gemstone.
Overall, Opaline carries with it a rich tapestry of linguistic roots and cultural significance, reflecting both the beauty of nature and the historical reverence for gemstones.
Fictional characters named Opaline
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Opaline was first seen in the United States in 1916. Opaline has ranked as high as #841 nationally, which occurred in 1931, and has been most popular in . In the past 5 years the name Opaline has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Opaline
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1916 | 10 |
| 1917 | 5 |
| 1919 | 5 |
| 1921 | 9 |
| 1922 | 7 |
| 1923 | 7 |
| 1924 | 6 |
| 1925 | 5 |
| 1926 | 11 |
| 1927 | 11 |
| 1928 | 8 |
| 1929 | 11 |
| 1930 | 8 |
| 1931 | 21 |
| 1932 | 15 |
| 1933 | 7 |
| 1934 | 10 |
| 1935 | 11 |
| 1936 | 6 |
| 1938 | 5 |
| 1943 | 7 |
| 1954 | 5 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 7 |