Oveta is a unique and distinctive female given name of American origin. It was coined by the American author Willa Cather for one of her characters in her novel "One of Ours" published in 1932.
The name Oveta itself does not have any specific meaning or association with any particular language, culture, or mythology. However, it is believed to have been inspired by the Latin word "ovat", which means "egg-shaped". This could be a reference to the rounded shape of the letters that spell the name.
Oveta is not a traditional name and has not been widely used throughout history. It was popularized primarily through its usage in Willa Cather's novel, and since then, it has been used sparingly but steadily by parents looking for unique and memorable names for their daughters.
Despite its limited use, Oveta has managed to maintain a certain level of recognition due to its association with Willa Cather and her works. It is often associated with literature and the arts, and those who bear this name may feel a connection to these fields.
In terms of popularity, Oveta has never been among the most common names. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only around 500 babies have been named Oveta since 1932, the year Willa Cather's novel was published.
Overall, Oveta is a distinctive and memorable name with a unique American origin and literary association. While it may not be one of the most popular names, its uniqueness makes it stand out and has led some parents to choose it for their daughters in search of something different and special.
Statistics on the given name Oveta show a varied pattern of usage over several decades in the United States.
From 1915 to 1964, there were a total of 216 babies named Oveta born in the U.S. The number of births per year fluctuated significantly during this period. For instance, in some years like 1918 and 1935, there were 10 and 8 births respectively, indicating that the name was more popular those years. Conversely, there were years with only 5 births such as 1927, 1947, and 1956.
The peak in popularity occurred between 1953 and 1955, with 14, 12, and 11 births respectively. This suggests that during this time, the name Oveta was quite popular among parents. However, it's important to note that even at its peak, the number of babies named Oveta remained relatively low compared to many other names.
Overall, while the name Oveta has seen some fluctuations in popularity over the years, it remains a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon name with historical usage in the United States.