Octavia Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationok-TAY-vee-uh / ɒkˈteɪ.vi.əLatin; English
Meaning
Latin: Eighth; English: Eighth
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Octavia has its roots in Latin, derived from the word "octavus," meaning "eighth." This etymology is significant as it was traditionally given to the eighth child in a family, reflecting a common practice in ancient Roman culture of naming children based on their birth order. The name entered the English language through the influence of the Romans, particularly during the period of the Roman Empire when Latin was the dominant language across much of Europe. As Latin evolved into the various Romance languages, the name maintained its form and was later adopted into English.
Historically, Octavia is notably associated with several prominent figures in Roman history. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Octavia Minor, the sister of the first Roman Emperor Augustus, who lived during the 1st century BCE. She was known for her political acumen and her marriage to Mark Antony, which was a significant alliance during the tumultuous period of the late Roman Republic. The name also appears in classical literature, including works by playwrights such as Shakespeare, who referenced Octavia in his plays, further embedding the name in cultural history.
Culturally, the name Octavia has been associated with themes of strength and resilience, often reflecting the virtues of the women who bore it throughout history. In addition to its historical significance, the name has been used in various literary and artistic contexts, symbolizing nobility and grace. The diminutive form "Tavia" has also emerged, though it is less commonly referenced in historical texts. Overall, Octavia's enduring legacy is tied to its rich linguistic roots and the notable figures who have carried the name through the ages.
Trend Summary
Octavia has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Octave
- Octavie
International Variants
- Octavie (French)
- Octavia (Spanish)
- Octávia (Portuguese)
Famous people named Octavia
Octavia Butler is an author best known for Kindred, Parable of the Sower, and Fledgling.
Octavia Spencer is an actress best known for The Help, Hidden Figures, and The Shape of Water.
Fictional characters named Octavia
Octavia Blake is a fictional character from the TV series The 100. She is a skilled warrior and one of the main protagonists who fights for survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
Octavia is a fictional character from the book series The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. She is a significant character known for her complex personality and connection to the supernatural elements of the story.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Octavia was first seen in the United States in 1880. Octavia has ranked as high as #477 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Octavia has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Octavia (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 71 | |
OH | 71 | |
IN | 58 | |
PA | 57 | |
NY | 42 | |
IL | 41 | |
WA | 37 | |
TN | 36 | |
MO | 34 | |
KY | 34 | |
FL | 33 | |
WI | 32 | |
CO | 31 | |
OR | 28 | |
CA | 27 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 27 |
1881 | 19 |
1882 | 21 |
1883 | 26 |
1884 | 29 |
1885 | 24 |
1886 | 30 |
1887 | 29 |
1888 | 51 |
1889 | 33 |
1890 | 32 |
1891 | 36 |
1892 | 33 |
1893 | 41 |
1894 | 34 |
1895 | 38 |
1896 | 49 |
1897 | 47 |
1898 | 53 |
1899 | 41 |
1900 | 54 |
1901 | 38 |
1902 | 40 |
1903 | 40 |
1904 | 56 |
1905 | 53 |
1906 | 47 |
1907 | 67 |
1908 | 42 |
1909 | 54 |
1910 | 65 |
1911 | 47 |
1912 | 72 |
1913 | 70 |
1914 | 80 |
1915 | 63 |
1916 | 111 |
1917 | 99 |
1918 | 100 |
1919 | 95 |
1920 | 114 |
1921 | 105 |
1922 | 94 |
1923 | 84 |
1924 | 93 |
1925 | 74 |
1926 | 93 |
1927 | 75 |
1928 | 62 |
1929 | 52 |
1930 | 56 |
1931 | 60 |
1932 | 76 |
1933 | 57 |
1934 | 48 |
1935 | 42 |
1936 | 43 |
1937 | 52 |
1938 | 51 |
1939 | 39 |
1940 | 34 |
1941 | 42 |
1942 | 35 |
1943 | 41 |
1944 | 38 |
1945 | 44 |
1946 | 37 |
1947 | 37 |
1948 | 58 |
1949 | 55 |
1950 | 50 |
1951 | 55 |
1952 | 70 |
1953 | 63 |
1954 | 66 |
1955 | 59 |
1956 | 72 |
1957 | 87 |
1958 | 73 |
1959 | 70 |
1960 | 61 |
1961 | 80 |
1962 | 77 |
1963 | 103 |
1964 | 76 |
1965 | 83 |
1966 | 91 |
1967 | 104 |
1968 | 73 |
1969 | 101 |
1970 | 115 |
1971 | 133 |
1972 | 128 |
1973 | 167 |
1974 | 150 |
1975 | 194 |
1976 | 174 |
1977 | 184 |
1978 | 203 |
1979 | 181 |
1980 | 188 |
1981 | 220 |
1982 | 251 |
1983 | 246 |
1984 | 266 |
1985 | 306 |
1986 | 331 |
1987 | 446 |
1988 | 418 |
1989 | 381 |
1990 | 365 |
1991 | 387 |
1992 | 383 |
1993 | 366 |
1994 | 302 |
1995 | 269 |
1996 | 238 |
1997 | 249 |
1998 | 241 |
1999 | 205 |
2000 | 195 |
2001 | 183 |
2002 | 196 |
2003 | 165 |
2004 | 140 |
2005 | 162 |
2006 | 130 |
2007 | 95 |
2008 | 117 |
2009 | 109 |
2010 | 90 |
2011 | 72 |
2012 | 81 |
2013 | 73 |
2014 | 71 |
2015 | 174 |
2016 | 260 |
2017 | 505 |
2018 | 737 |
2019 | 850 |
2020 | 928 |
2021 | 1,238 |
2022 | 1,237 |
2023 | 1,129 |
2024 | 1,066 |