Find out how popular the first name America has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of America by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, America is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 97 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name America.

The history of the first name America

The name America is a relatively modern given name that emerged in the late 18th century. It is derived from the name of the continents of North and South America, which were named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. The word "America" itself is thought to have originated from the medieval Latin name "Americus," which was the Latin form of Vespucci's first name.

The earliest recorded use of America as a given name dates back to the late 1700s, shortly after the American Revolution. It was likely chosen as a patriotic name to honor the newly independent United States of America. One of the earliest known individuals with the name was America Vespucci, a distant relative of Amerigo Vespucci, who was born in 1777 in what is now modern-day Italy.

Throughout the 19th century, the name America gained popularity as a given name in the United States. It was often used as a middle name or as a first name for both boys and girls. Some notable individuals with the name include America Ferrera (born 1984), an American actress; America Olivo (born 1978), an American singer and actress; and America Paredes (born 1975), a Mexican actress.

In addition to its patriotic connotations, the name America has also been associated with various political and social movements throughout history. One notable example is America Libre, a Cuban-born woman who was a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century. She was born in 1900 and fought alongside Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa.

Another historical figure with the name America was America Grau (1855-1951), a Peruvian educator and feminist who played a significant role in advocating for women's rights and education in Peru. She founded several schools and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and children.

Overall, the name America has a rich history that reflects the spirit of patriotism, independence, and political activism. While it may have originated from a geographic name, it has taken on deeper meanings and associations throughout the centuries.

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

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

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