Delphina is a unique and exotic name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word 'delphys', which means 'womb'. This suggests that the name was initially given to girls born in ancient Rome around the time of their mother's delivery. The name became popular during the Middle Ages when it was often used as an alternative to names like Delphina and Delphine.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Delphina. One of the most famous is Delphina of Cyprus, who was a queen regnant of Jerusalem from 1205 to 1218. She married the King Henry I of Cyprus in 1209 and ruled jointly with him until his death in 1218.
Another notable figure named Delphina is Saint Delphina of Aragon, who was a Spanish noblewoman who lived during the 13th century. She was renowned for her piety and virtue and was eventually canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1754.
Today, Delphina remains a rare but beautiful name that stands out from more common alternatives like Sophia or Amelia. Its unique origin and historical significance make it an attractive choice for parents looking for something distinctive for their daughter.
The name Delphina has seen fluctuating popularity over the past century and a half, with notable spikes in usage during specific periods. The highest birth years were in 1921 (with 25 births), 1961 (with 17 births), and most recently in 2023 (with 14 births). However, since the late 1980s, the name has been used less frequently, with many years recording fewer than 10 births each. Overall, there have been a total of 893 recorded births named Delphina between 1902 and 2023.