The name Alba is of Latin origin and means "dawn" or "sunrise". It is derived from the word "albus", which translates to "white" in English. In Roman mythology, Alba was the goddess of the dawn, often depicted as a beautiful woman who announces the arrival of the sun each morning.
The name Alba has a rich history that dates back centuries. It was popular among royalty and nobility during medieval times, particularly in Spain. Queen Isabella I of Castile, who ruled from 1474 to 1504, had two daughters named Alba. One of them, Juana la Loca (also known as Joanna the Mad), was born in 1479 and later became queen consort of Portugal.
Today, Alba continues to be a popular name throughout Europe, particularly in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, and Germany. It has also gained popularity in English-speaking nations like the United States and Australia. While it can be used for both boys and girls, it is more commonly given to females.
In literature, the name Alba appears in various works by renowned authors. For instance, Italian poet Dante Alighieri included an Alba in his Divine Comedy. Additionally, Spanish novelist Gabriel García Márquez named one of his characters Alba in his acclaimed novel Love in the Time of Cholera.
Overall, the name Alba carries a beautiful and significant meaning that has stood the test of time. Its Latin roots give it a classic feel while its association with dawn and sunrise lends an aura of warmth and optimism.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Alba in the United States between 1892 and 1981. During this period, there were a total of 108 babies named Alba born in the U.S.
The earliest year for which data is available is 1892, with seven babies named Alba born that year. The name's popularity seemed to fluctuate over the years, with some peaks and troughs in its usage. For example, there were nine births each in 1913 and again in 1925.
There was a slight dip in popularity around the late 1940s and early 1950s, with only five babies named Alba born in both 1943 and 1952. However, the name made a resurgence in the 1980s, with five births recorded in 1981.
Overall, while Alba was not one of the most popular names during this period, it did maintain some consistent usage over the years, with an average of about nine babies named Alba born each decade.