Find out how popular the first name Alyssum has been for the last 37 years (from 1980 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alyssum by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Alyssum is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Alyssum.

The history of the first name Alyssum

The given name Alyssum has its origins in the ancient Greek language. It is derived from the botanical name for the flower genus Alyssum, which includes species like sweet alyssum and yellow alyssum. The name Alyssum itself comes from the Greek word "alyssos," meaning "curing rage or madness," referring to the belief that the plant had calming properties.

In ancient Greek mythology, Alyssum was associated with the goddess Aphrodite, who was believed to have created the flower to heal the wound of her lover Adonis. This connection to the goddess of love and beauty may have contributed to the name's popularity as a given name.

The earliest recorded use of Alyssum as a given name dates back to the late 19th century, when it was popularized by English-speaking writers and botanists who were inspired by the delicate and fragrant alyssum flowers.

One of the earliest known individuals named Alyssum was Alyssum Coddington, an English botanist born in 1856. She was renowned for her extensive collection of pressed flowers and her contributions to the study of plant taxonomy.

Another notable figure was Alyssum Whittier, an American poet born in 1878, known for her nature-inspired verse and her advocacy for women's rights. Her collection "Songs of the Meadow" featured several poems celebrating the beauty of the alyssum flower.

In the early 20th century, Alyssum Blackwood, a Canadian artist born in 1902, gained recognition for her vibrant paintings depicting alyssum flowers in various landscapes. Her work was celebrated for its attention to detail and vivid colors.

Alyssum Renault, a French author born in 1920, wrote several popular novels that featured characters with botanical names, including the protagonist Alyssum in her novel "The Gardener's Daughter."

Finally, Alyssum Sorrentino, an Italian opera singer born in 1945, was renowned for her powerful soprano voice and her performances in productions that often featured floral motifs and references to the alyssum flower in the set design.

While not a common given name, Alyssum has been used throughout history as a unique and poetic choice, often associated with nature, beauty, and the art of flower arranging and gardening.

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 Alyssum was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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