Find out how popular the first name Arcenia has been for the last 3 years (from 1979 to 1981) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arcenia by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Arcenia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1981, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Arcenia.

The history of the first name Arcenia

The given name Arcenia has its origins in ancient Greece, with roots tracing back to the early Hellenic period around the 8th century BC. The name is derived from the Greek word "arkein," which translates to "to ward off" or "to defend," suggesting a connection to protective or defensive qualities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Arcenia can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who mentioned a woman by that name in his work "The Histories." This text, dating back to the 5th century BC, provides evidence of the name's usage during the classical era of Greek civilization.

In the Middle Ages, the name Arcenia gained some prominence in the Byzantine Empire, where it was associated with influential families and individuals. One notable bearer of the name was Arcenia Comnena, a Byzantine noblewoman who lived in the 12th century AD and was renowned for her literary works and patronage of the arts.

During the Renaissance period, the name Arcenia found its way into the Italian cultural sphere. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Arcenia Piccolomini, an Italian noblewoman born in 1492, who was a prominent figure in the court of Pope Julius II and known for her influential role in the arts and politics of the time.

In the 17th century, the name Arcenia gained popularity in Spain, particularly among the aristocracy. One notable figure was Arcenia de Mendoza, a Spanish countess born in 1621, who was celebrated for her philanthropic efforts and her support of the arts and literature.

Moving into the 18th century, the name Arcenia made an appearance in Russia, where it was associated with the noble class. Arcenia Golitsyna, born in 1728, was a Russian princess and influential figure in the court of Catherine the Great, known for her patronage of the arts and her involvement in political affairs.

While the name Arcenia has its roots in ancient Greece and was prominent in various cultures throughout history, it has since fallen out of common usage in modern times. However, its rich historical background and associations with influential figures from different eras serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of this unique and intriguing name.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!