Myrtice is a rare and unique feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "myrtos," which means "perfume" or "fragrant." In ancient Greece, myrtle trees were considered sacred to the goddess Aphrodite, who was associated with love, beauty, and fertility. Therefore, the name Myrtice may have been given to girls in honor of these qualities.
The use of the name Myrtice is not well-documented throughout history, as it has never been particularly popular. However, there are a few notable historical figures with this name. For example, Myrtice Miller was an American jazz singer who performed during the 1940s and 1950s.
Today, Myrtice remains a rare and distinctive name, often chosen by parents looking for something unique and meaningful for their daughter. Despite its rarity, it has not been completely forgotten over time, as there are still people alive today with this name.
The name Myrtice has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations ranging from a single digit to triple digits in terms of the number of babies named Myrtice each year.
In the late 19th century, the name Myrtice was given to an average of around six children per year, with the highest number being eight births in both 1881 and 1891. However, this changed dramatically at the turn of the century, with a significant increase in popularity.
Between 1905 and 1917, the number of babies named Myrtice each year more than doubled from 33 in 1905 to 152 in 1918. This trend continued into the early 1920s, peaking at 149 births in 1924.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name Myrtice began to decline steadily. Between 1925 and 1930, the number of babies named Myrtice each year fell by more than half, from 141 births in 1925 to 74 births in 1930.
This downward trend continued throughout the mid-20th century, with the name Myrtice becoming increasingly rare. Between 1950 and 1965, there were an average of fewer than ten babies named Myrtice each year.
By the early 1970s, the name Myrtice had all but disappeared, with only seven births in 1971 and five births in both 1967 and 1981. Overall, over the course of more than a century, there were a total of 4342 babies named Myrtice born in the United States.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, the name Myrtice has maintained a unique presence throughout history, with its peaks and valleys reflecting the changing tastes and trends of parents across different eras.