Blaise is a masculine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "blaesus," which means "stammerer" or "speech impediment." The name Blaise was popularized by Saint Blaise, who was a Christian martyr in the early centuries of Christianity.
Saint Blaise was born in Armenia and became a physician. He is said to have been martyred around 316 AD during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Licinius. According to legend, Blaise was known for his ability to cure illness, particularly those related to the throat. This association with healing led to him being invoked as the patron saint of illnesses and diseases.
The name Blaise has been used in France since the Middle Ages, likely introduced by returning Crusaders who had encountered it during their travels through the Eastern Mediterranean. Over time, it gained popularity in other parts of Europe as well. Today, Blaise is still used as a given name for boys, though its usage varies by region and culture.
In some cultures, Blaise is associated with certain feast days and traditions. For example, in some Catholic churches, Saint Blaise's Feast Day is celebrated on February 3rd, during which blessed candles are distributed to protect against illnesses of the throat. However, these associations do not appear to have significantly influenced the popularity or meaning of the name itself. Instead, Blaise stands as a timeless name with roots in ancient history and Christian tradition.
In summary, Blaise is a Latin-derived masculine given name popularized by Saint Blaise, a Christian martyr known for his healing abilities. Its meaning "stammerer" or "speech impediment" has not deterred its usage throughout history, and today it remains a recognizable name with roots in ancient Christianity.
The name Blaise experienced varying popularity over the years, with a significant increase since the late 2010s. From 1981 to 1997, there were fewer than 20 births per year on average. However, from 1998 onwards, the number of annual births began to rise steadily, peaking at 52 in 2021 and remaining consistently high. The total number of births recorded between 1981 and 2023 is 803.