Alcide is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin. Derived from the Latin word "alcedo," which translates to "kingfisher," Alcide is imbued with a sense of royalty, swiftness, and beauty associated with this elegant bird.
The name Alcide has a rich history, dating back to ancient Roman times. In mythology, Alcides was an epithet given to the hero Heracles, also known as Hercules in Greek mythology. Alcides, meaning "son of Alcume," was used to refer to Heracles' divine parentage, his father being the god Zeus. This association with the legendary hero lends the name Alcide an air of strength, courage, and nobility.
Throughout history, the name Alcide has been adopted by various figures in art, literature, and culture. In French literature, Alcide is the protagonist of "Alcide ou l'amour tyran" ("Alcide or Love Tyrannical"), a novel written by François-René de Chateaubriand. This literary work further enriched the name's cultural significance and contributed to its enduring popularity in France.
In more recent times, Alcide has gained renewed attention due to its use in popular culture. In Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries series, Alcide Herveaux is a prominent character, a werewolf with a complex backstory that adds depth to the name's modern interpretation.
Overall, Alcide is a captivating and historically rich given name that embodies qualities of strength, nobility, and beauty. Its Latin origins and mythological associations make it a unique choice for parents seeking an exceptional name for their child. Despite its historical significance, Alcide remains relatively uncommon, making it an attractive option for those looking to bestow upon their child a distinctive and memorable moniker.
The name Alcide has been given to a total of 1003 babies in the United States over the past 140 years, with fluctuations in its popularity from year to year.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Alcide was given to around 5-8 babies per year on average. However, there were notable spikes in its popularity during this period. In 1912, 23 babies were named Alcide, and in 1916, the number of newborn boys receiving this name peaked at 35.
After World War II, the popularity of the name Alcide began to decline steadily. Between 1945 and 1970, an average of only around 6 babies per year were named Alcide. This trend continued into the late 20th century, with the number of newborn boys named Alcide falling below 5 per year between 1984 and 1995.
In recent years, however, there has been a slight resurgence in the use of the name Alcide. Between 2014 and 2020, an average of around 7 babies per year were named Alcide, suggesting that this historic name may be experiencing a modern-day revival. Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, Alcide remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents seeking a special name for their child.