Find out how popular the first name Ascension has been for the last 18 years (from 1974 to 1991) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ascension by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Ascension is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1991, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ascension.

The history of the first name Ascension

The name Ascension has its origins in the Late Latin word "ascensio," which means "a rising" or "an ascent." This name is closely associated with the Christian religious observance of the Ascension, commemorating the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven after his resurrection. It is derived from the Latin verb "ascendere," meaning "to climb up" or "to ascend."

The earliest recorded use of the name Ascension dates back to the 4th century CE, when it was mentioned in religious texts and manuscripts related to the Christian faith. It gained popularity in various regions of Europe and the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages, particularly in areas where Christianity had a strong influence.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Ascension was Saint Ascension of Lerins, a 5th-century monk and abbot who lived on the island of Lérins, off the coast of southern France. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is celebrated on May 16th.

Another prominent figure with this name was Ascension Hernández de Mendoza, a 16th-century Spanish mystic and writer who lived from 1537 to 1604. She is known for her spiritual writings and her contributions to the Catholic spiritual literature of her time.

In the 17th century, Ascension Polanco was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest and missionary who worked in the Philippines. He was born in 1612 and died in 1690, and he is remembered for his efforts in evangelizing and educating the indigenous population.

During the 18th century, Ascension Fernández de Castro y Andrade was a Spanish nobleman and military officer who served as the Viceroy of New Spain (present-day Mexico) from 1790 to 1794. He played a significant role in the colonial administration of the Spanish Empire in the Americas.

In more recent times, Ascension Esquivel Ibarra was a Mexican politician and diplomat who lived from 1926 to 2018. He served as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico from 1982 to 1988 and played a crucial role in international relations during that period.

While the name Ascension has been used primarily in Christian cultures and regions with a strong Catholic or Protestant influence, its meaning and historical significance are deeply rooted in the Christian tradition, commemorating one of the most significant events in the life of Jesus Christ.

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

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

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