Pocahontas is a Native American given name of Powhatan origin. It means "little potato" or "little gift." The name was popularized by the historical figure Pocahontas, who lived in the late 16th to early 17th century. She was born Matoaka, but earned her nickname after saving the life of a Native American man named Kocoum from execution.
Pocahontas is most famously known for her association with the Englishman John Smith, whom she supposedly saved from being executed by her father, Chief Powhatan. However, recent research suggests that this story may be more legend than fact. Regardless, Pocahontas played an important role in facilitating communication between Native Americans and Europeans during their early encounters.
After her encounter with John Smith, Pocahontas converted to Christianity and was baptized as Lady Rebecca Rolfe after marrying Englishman John Rolfe in 1614. She died of smallpox in 1617 while on a visit to London with her husband and their son Thomas. Despite her relatively short life, Pocahontas has become an enduring figure in American history and culture.
The name Pocahontas has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, with a total of 217 births recorded over the years. The name first appeared in the late 19th century, with nine babies named Pocahontas born in 1897.
Throughout the early to mid-20th century, the name experienced periods of popularity and decline. In the 1910s and 1920s, there were years with six to ten births annually, indicating a moderate level of usage during this time. However, in the following decades, the number of yearly births dropped significantly, ranging from five to eight births per year between 1930 and 1942.
After a gap of nearly eight decades, the name Pocahontas resurfaced in recent years, with five babies named Pocahontas born each year since 2016. This consistent usage suggests that the name has once again gained traction among parents choosing names for their daughters.
In conclusion, while the name Pocahontas has not been consistently popular throughout history, it has nonetheless maintained a presence in the United States. Its usage has fluctuated over time, with periods of moderate popularity followed by decades of lower frequency. However, its recent resurgence indicates that the name continues to hold appeal for some parents today.