Meaning, origin, history
Veronica is a female given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "veronicus," which means "true image" or "victory-bearer." The name Veronica is often associated with Saint Veronica, who is said to have wiped the sweat from Jesus Christ's face as he carried the cross on his way to Calvary. According to legend, her veil was imprinted with a perfect likeness of Jesus' face, hence the meaning of "true image."
The name Veronica has been used throughout history and has appeared in various forms of literature and art. In Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing," Veronica is one of the characters mentioned by Beatrice as a potential match for her cousin, Hero. Additionally, Veronica Franco, a Venetian courtesan and poet from the 16th century, was known for her intelligence and wit.
In modern times, Veronica has been a popular name in many English-speaking countries. It ranked among the top 500 names for girls in the United States during the early to mid-20th century before falling out of fashion. However, it has seen a resurgence in recent years, re-entering the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby girl names in the U.S. in 2019.
Overall, Veronica is an historic and timeless name with roots in Latin culture and history. Its meaning, associated with truth and victory, adds to its appeal as a name that signifies strength and resilience.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Vernonica since 1880
Total births
44
Total since 1880
Peak year
1984
8 births
in 1990
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years