Orlando is a name of Italian origin that has gained international popularity over time. It is derived from the place name "Orlando," which means "famous land" or "land of honor." This name has been associated with the legendary hero Orlando, also known as Roland, who appears in the medieval French epic poem "The Song of Roland."
The name Orlando has been used throughout history by various notable figures. One of the most famous is Orlando Gibbons, an English composer and organist from the Renaissance era. Born in 1583, Gibbons was known for his madrigals, consort songs, and keyboard compositions, contributing significantly to the development of English music during his time.
In literature, Orlando also appears as a central character in Virginia Woolf's novel "Orlando: A Biography," published in 1928. The story follows Orlando, a nobleman who lives for centuries and experiences numerous adventures throughout different historical periods.
The name Orlando has been popular among parents looking for distinctive names with strong meanings. It has consistently ranked among the top thousand boys' names in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, people bearing this name can be found all around the world, carrying on its rich history and legacy.
The name Orlando has been given to babies born in the United States since at least the year 1960. Looking at the data provided, we can see that the number of births with this name fluctuates from year to year.
From 1960 to 1975, the number of births ranged between a low of 5 in some years to a high of 12 in others. However, starting in 1974, we begin to see an upward trend, with at least 10 births every year until 1982.
After a dip in 1982 and 1984, the popularity of the name Orlando picks up again in 1985 with 13 births. This high number is maintained for several years, with another peak of 13 births occurring in 1990.
Overall, between 1960 and 1996, there were a total of 242 babies named Orlando born in the United States. While it may not have been one of the most popular names during this period, it was consistently given to a small number of newborns each year.