Oval is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin, meaning 'egg-shaped' or 'round'. It is derived from the Latin word 'ovum', which refers to an egg. The name Oval is not particularly common, but it has been used throughout history, often as a surname before becoming more prevalent as a given name in recent years.
The use of Oval as a given name is believed to have started in the United States during the mid-20th century. It is thought that parents chose this name for their children due to its unique sound and meaning, perhaps also influenced by its association with the Latin word 'oval', which can refer to something that is perfectly symmetrical or harmonious.
In terms of popular culture, Oval has not been particularly prominent as a character name in books, movies, or television shows. However, it has appeared occasionally, such as in the 2017 film 'The Shape of Water', directed by Guillermo del Toro, where one of the characters is named Oval.
Overall, Oval is a rare and distinctive given name with an interesting Latin origin and meaning. While not widely used, it has been adopted by some families who appreciate its unique sound and significance.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Oval in the United States from 1909 to 1952. The name's popularity varied greatly during this period.
In the early years, the name was quite uncommon, with only a few babies named Oval each year. From 1909 to 1913, there were between 5 and 11 births per year. However, from 1914 onwards, the number of annual births with the name Oval began to increase steadily.
The peak in popularity occurred in 1920, with a total of 34 babies named Oval that year. This was likely influenced by events or trends during that time period, although specific reasons are not provided in the statistics.
After this peak, the number of annual births with the name Oval began to decrease gradually. From 1927 onwards, there were fewer than 20 births per year on average. This trend continued until the late 1940s and early 1950s, with some years seeing as few as 5 or 6 births.
Overall, over the course of these 43 years, a total of 500 babies were named Oval in the United States. While the name's popularity fluctuated significantly during this time period, it is important to note that even at its peak, Oval was not one of the most common baby names. This suggests that the name has always been somewhat unique and uncommon.