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Florence Girl

Popularity: #387 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationFLOR-uhns / /ˈflɔːrəns/

Latin; English

Meaning

Latin: flourishing; English: prosperous

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Florence derives from the Latin name Florentia, which means "prosperous" or "flourishing." The root of the name can be traced back to the Latin word "florens," the present participle of "florere," meaning "to bloom" or "to flourish." The name entered the English language through Old French, where it was adapted as "Florence," and became popularized in England during the Middle Ages, particularly due to the influence of the Italian city of Florence, known for its cultural and artistic achievements during the Renaissance.

Florence has historical significance as it is associated with several notable figures and events. One of the earliest references to the name can be found in the context of Saint Florence, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, who was venerated in various regions. The name gained further prominence in the 13th century with the establishment of the city of Florence as a major center of trade and art, which was home to influential figures such as Dante Alighieri and Lorenzo de' Medici. The name was also used in the context of the English royal family, with notable bearers such as Florence Nightingale, who became a symbol of nursing and humanitarianism in the 19th century.

Culturally, the name Florence has been associated with themes of beauty, growth, and renewal, reflecting its etymological roots. The city of Florence itself has become synonymous with the Renaissance, representing a flourishing of art, culture, and humanism. The name has also inspired various artistic works, including literature and music, further embedding it in cultural consciousness. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Flora, which also derives from the Latin root, have been used historically, emphasizing the name's connection to nature and blooming.

Trend Summary

Florence has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Flora
  • Florencea

International Variants

  • Fiorenza (Italian)
  • Florentia (Latin)
  • Florence (French)

Famous people named Florence

Florence Nightingale is a social reformer and statistician best known for founding modern nursing and her work during the Crimean War.

Florence Welch is a singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of Florence and the Machine, known for hits like Dog Days Are Over and Shake It Out.

Florence Pugh is an actress best known for her roles in Little Women, Midsommar, and Fighting with My Family.

Florence Griffith-Joyner is an athlete best known for her Olympic gold medals in track and field and her world records in the 100m and 200m sprints.

Fictional characters named Florence

Florence Nightingale is a fictional character from the historical drama Florence Nightingale. She is known as the founder of modern nursing and is celebrated for her pioneering work in healthcare.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Florence was first seen in the United States in 1880. Florence has ranked as high as #30 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Massachusetts. In the past 5 years the name Florence has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Florence (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 84
13%
TX 54
8%
NY 34
5%
NC 31
5%
WA 30
4%
CO 26
4%
IN 24
4%
FL 24
4%
OH 24
4%
MN 23
3%
PA 22
3%
IL 19
3%
VA 19
3%
MA 18
3%
UT 18
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,063
18811,046
18821,322
18831,298
18841,570
18851,667
18861,860
18871,964
18882,444
18892,465
18902,744
18912,716
18923,154
18933,231
18943,233
18953,471
18963,323
18973,369
18983,790
18993,314
19003,920
19013,131
19023,509
19033,468
19043,572
19053,478
19063,691
19073,750
19083,883
19093,789
19104,282
19114,424
19125,739
19136,279
19147,886
191510,105
191610,412
191710,538
191811,318
191910,482
192010,731
192110,720
192210,036
19239,746
19249,472
19258,585
19268,178
19277,645
19286,970
19296,212
19305,867
19315,011
19324,541
19334,078
19343,736
19353,273
19363,083
19372,955
19382,805
19392,591
19402,468
19412,390
19422,535
19432,273
19441,977
19451,731
19461,907
19471,850
19481,698
19491,565
19501,445
19511,290
19521,242
19531,123
19541,034
19551,005
1956942
1957877
1958848
1959792
1960738
1961637
1962598
1963578
1964536
1965450
1966474
1967381
1968323
1969366
1970331
1971277
1972249
1973265
1974216
1975204
1976191
1977189
1978146
1979159
1980152
1981153
1982141
1983141
1984131
1985127
1986114
1987106
1988101
1989106
1990108
1991108
199273
199389
199483
199575
199679
199764
199883
199967
200060
200166
200264
200350
200464
200555
200664
200761
200862
200954
201076
201174
201294
2013118
2014183
2015214
2016247
2017267
2018273
2019282
2020357
2021401
2022474
2023582
2024711