Veronica Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: veh-ROH-ni-kah /vɛˈɹɒnɪkə/
Origin: Latin; Greek
Meaning: Latin: true image; Greek: victory bringer
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Veronica has its roots in the Latin phrase "vera icon," which translates to "true image." This etymology is often linked to the legend of Saint Veronica, a figure in Christian tradition who is said to have wiped the face of Jesus Christ with a cloth during his journey to crucifixion, resulting in an imprint of his face on the cloth. The name entered the English language through the Old French "Veronique" and was popularized in medieval Europe, particularly among Christians who revered Saint Veronica as a symbol of compassion and courage.
Historically, the name gained prominence in the Christian context during the Middle Ages, particularly from the 12th century onward, as the story of Saint Veronica became widely disseminated through art and literature. The name appears in various forms across different cultures, but its association with the saint solidified its place in Christian nomenclature.
The name was also included in the influential works of the time, such as the Golden Legend, a collection of hagiographies compiled in the 13th century, which further popularized the stories of saints, including Veronica. Culturally, the name Veronica has been associated with virtues such as truth and compassion, reflecting its literal meaning of "true image." This connection to a significant religious narrative has allowed the name to endure through centuries, often evoking a sense of reverence and moral integrity.
In various languages, diminutive forms such as "Vera" or "Nica" have emerged, but the name Veronica itself remains a powerful symbol of faith and devotion in Christian heritage.
Famous people named Veronica
Veronica Lake is an actress best known for Sullivan's Travels, I Married a Witch, and The Blue Dahlia.
Veronica Roth is an author best known for the Divergent series and Carve the Mark.
Veronica Mars is a fictional character best known for the television series Veronica Mars and its film adaptation.
Veronica Campbell-Brown is an athlete best known for winning multiple Olympic medals in sprinting events.
Fictional characters named Veronica
Veronica Lodge is a fictional character from the comic book series Archie Comics. She is a wealthy and fashionable teenager who is often in a love triangle with Archie Andrews and Betty Cooper.
Veronica Sawyer is a fictional character from the musical Heathers. She is a high school student who becomes involved with a group of popular girls known as the Heathers, leading to dark and dramatic events.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Veronica was first seen in the United States in 1880.
Veronica has ranked as high as #135 nationally, which occurred in 1980, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
In the past 5 years the name Veronica has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Veronica (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 75 | |
| CA | 69 | |
| FL | 57 | |
| NY | 49 | |
| PA | 45 | |
| IL | 36 | |
| OH | 32 | |
| VA | 29 | |
| AZ | 25 | |
| IN | 25 | |
| WI | 25 | |
| NJ | 22 | |
| MN | 21 | |
| MA | 20 | |
| WA | 18 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 14 |
| 1881 | 15 |
| 1882 | 24 |
| 1883 | 29 |
| 1884 | 28 |
| 1885 | 34 |
| 1886 | 26 |
| 1887 | 35 |
| 1888 | 59 |
| 1889 | 60 |
| 1890 | 82 |
| 1891 | 85 |
| 1892 | 112 |
| 1893 | 102 |
| 1894 | 113 |
| 1895 | 153 |
| 1896 | 145 |
| 1897 | 155 |
| 1898 | 216 |
| 1899 | 182 |
| 1900 | 218 |
| 1901 | 199 |
| 1902 | 217 |
| 1903 | 175 |
| 1904 | 203 |
| 1905 | 217 |
| 1906 | 216 |
| 1907 | 257 |
| 1908 | 286 |
| 1909 | 270 |
| 1910 | 314 |
| 1911 | 353 |
| 1912 | 552 |
| 1913 | 615 |
| 1914 | 767 |
| 1915 | 914 |
| 1916 | 976 |
| 1917 | 1,038 |
| 1918 | 1,117 |
| 1919 | 1,047 |
| 1920 | 1,039 |
| 1921 | 1,074 |
| 1922 | 1,028 |
| 1923 | 945 |
| 1924 | 954 |
| 1925 | 826 |
| 1926 | 782 |
| 1927 | 777 |
| 1928 | 695 |
| 1929 | 603 |
| 1930 | 638 |
| 1931 | 578 |
| 1932 | 563 |
| 1933 | 448 |
| 1934 | 453 |
| 1935 | 458 |
| 1936 | 418 |
| 1937 | 534 |
| 1938 | 542 |
| 1939 | 512 |
| 1940 | 566 |
| 1941 | 837 |
| 1942 | 1,254 |
| 1943 | 1,239 |
| 1944 | 1,137 |
| 1945 | 1,034 |
| 1946 | 1,206 |
| 1947 | 1,353 |
| 1948 | 1,478 |
| 1949 | 1,424 |
| 1950 | 1,387 |
| 1951 | 1,473 |
| 1952 | 1,572 |
| 1953 | 1,614 |
| 1954 | 1,641 |
| 1955 | 1,716 |
| 1956 | 1,816 |
| 1957 | 1,942 |
| 1958 | 2,170 |
| 1959 | 2,292 |
| 1960 | 2,427 |
| 1961 | 2,730 |
| 1962 | 2,994 |
| 1963 | 3,014 |
| 1964 | 3,061 |
| 1965 | 3,074 |
| 1966 | 3,093 |
| 1967 | 3,178 |
| 1968 | 3,013 |
| 1969 | 3,451 |
| 1970 | 3,489 |
| 1971 | 3,427 |
| 1972 | 3,563 |
| 1973 | 4,152 |
| 1974 | 4,226 |
| 1975 | 4,060 |
| 1976 | 4,022 |
| 1977 | 3,852 |
| 1978 | 3,934 |
| 1979 | 4,062 |
| 1980 | 4,381 |
| 1981 | 4,313 |
| 1982 | 4,150 |
| 1983 | 4,069 |
| 1984 | 4,013 |
| 1985 | 3,875 |
| 1986 | 3,579 |
| 1987 | 3,616 |
| 1988 | 3,525 |
| 1989 | 3,712 |
| 1990 | 3,587 |
| 1991 | 3,441 |
| 1992 | 3,444 |
| 1993 | 3,095 |
| 1994 | 2,941 |
| 1995 | 2,599 |
| 1996 | 2,745 |
| 1997 | 2,544 |
| 1998 | 2,632 |
| 1999 | 2,831 |
| 2000 | 2,356 |
| 2001 | 2,088 |
| 2002 | 1,911 |
| 2003 | 1,835 |
| 2004 | 1,769 |
| 2005 | 1,683 |
| 2006 | 1,626 |
| 2007 | 1,482 |
| 2008 | 1,330 |
| 2009 | 1,171 |
| 2010 | 1,106 |
| 2011 | 1,114 |
| 2012 | 1,024 |
| 2013 | 965 |
| 2014 | 873 |
| 2015 | 893 |
| 2016 | 812 |
| 2017 | 820 |
| 2018 | 887 |
| 2019 | 883 |
| 2020 | 805 |
| 2021 | 733 |
| 2022 | 774 |
| 2023 | 743 |
| 2024 | 804 |