Find out how popular the first name Abyssinia has been for the last 14 years (from 2010 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Abyssinia by gender

Based on the last 14 years of data, Abyssinia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Abyssinia.

The history of the first name Abyssinia

The given name Abyssinia has its roots in the ancient region of Abyssinia, which is now known as Ethiopia. This name is derived from the Arabic term "Habashat," which means "mixed" or "people of mixed origin." The region of Abyssinia was known for its diverse population and cultural influences.

Abyssinia was a powerful kingdom in the horn of Africa that existed from the 4th century BC until the 20th century. The name is closely associated with the Aksumite Empire, one of the major powers in the ancient world, which flourished from the 1st century AD to the 7th century AD.

The name Abyssinia appears in various historical records and ancient texts, including the Bible and the works of Greek and Roman writers such as Herodotus and Strabo. These sources mention the region's rich history, trade connections, and cultural significance.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Abyssinia being used as a personal name dates back to the 16th century. Abyssinia Paulet (1524-1576) was an English noblewoman and one of the ladies-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Abyssinia. For instance, Abyssinia Nathaniel Bassett (1744-1811) was an American clergyman and educator who served as the president of the University of Pennsylvania from 1779 to 1781.

Another prominent figure was Abyssinia Jane Woodson Oberly (1809-1888), an American abolitionist and activist who played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, assisting enslaved people in their journey to freedom.

In the literary world, Abyssinia Felicia Hemans (1793-1835) was a British poet and author widely regarded as one of the most influential and popular writers of her time.

Abyssinia Mariana Grajales (1815-1893), a Cuban revolutionary and the mother of Antonio Maceo, one of the leading figures in the struggle for Cuban independence, also carried this name.

It is important to note that while the name Abyssinia has historical and cultural significance, its usage as a personal name has been relatively rare in modern times, possibly due to its association with the ancient kingdom and its eventual decline in the 20th century.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Abyssinia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Abyssinia, please contact us.

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