Clelia is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Clelia," which means "gentle" or "soft." The name Clelia is also associated with a famous Roman woman named Cloelia, who was a member of an elite group of young women known as the Vestal Virgins.
According to legend, Cloelia played a significant role in the battle between Rome and the Etruscans at the Battle of Lake Regillus. She is said to have bravely led her fellow Vestals across the Tiber River under enemy fire, carrying their sacred flame. Impressed by her courage, the Etruscan king Lars Porsenna allowed her to return safely to Rome with her companions.
The name Clelia gained popularity in Italy during the Renaissance and has since been used as a given name for girls throughout Europe and beyond. Today, it is still considered a unique and elegant name choice for parents looking for something different from the more traditional names. Despite its lesser-known status compared to other Italian names such as Sofia or Isabella, Clelia remains a beautiful option with a rich historical significance behind it.
In summary, Clelia is a feminine given name of Italian origin derived from the Latin word "Clelia," meaning gentle or soft. It is associated with Cloelia, a famous Roman Vestal Virgin who displayed exceptional bravery during battle. The name has been used for centuries and continues to be an elegant choice today, despite being less common than other popular Italian names.
The name Clelia has a rich history of usage in the United States, with the first recorded birth in 1903 and the most recent in 2023. Over this period spanning over a century, there have been a total of 524 births registered with the name Clelia.
The peak years for the name Clelia were between 1916 and 1924, during which time there were consistently high numbers of births each year. The highest number of births in any single year was 21, recorded in 1920. This suggests that Clelia was a popular choice of name for babies born during this era.
However, the usage of the name Clelia has fluctuated over the years. After the peak period in the early 20th century, there were fewer births registered with the name each year until the 1950s and 1960s, when there was a slight resurgence in its popularity. Since then, the number of births recorded with the name Clelia has remained relatively low, with only a few births each year.
Despite this decline in usage over recent decades, it is clear that the name Clelia has been an enduring choice for parents in the United States. Its long history of usage and varied periods of popularity highlight its timeless appeal as a unique and distinctive name.