Find out how popular the first name Belladonna has been for the last 24 years (from 2001 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Belladonna by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Belladonna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 25 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Belladonna.

The history of the first name Belladonna

Belladonna is a feminine given name derived from the Italian words "bella" meaning beautiful and "donna" meaning lady. The name has its origins in the Renaissance period of Italy, where it was used to refer to the poisonous plant known as deadly nightshade or belladonna.

The name gained popularity during this time as the plant was believed to have mystical properties and was used in various potions and elixirs. The belladonna plant was also known for its ability to dilate the pupils, giving the eyes a striking appearance, which was considered attractive in Renaissance Italy.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Belladonna can be found in the writings of the Italian philosopher and writer Girolamo Cardano (1501-1576). In his treatise "De Subtilitate Rerum," he mentioned a woman named Belladonna who was believed to be a skilled practitioner of the dark arts.

Another notable figure with the name Belladonna was the Italian painter and artist's model Belladonna Tiziana (1508-1576). She was renowned for her beauty and was often depicted in the works of the famous Venetian painter Titian.

In the 17th century, the name Belladonna appeared in the writings of the English playwright and poet John Webster (1580-1634). In his tragic play "The Duchess of Malfi," one of the characters is named Belladonna, possibly as a reference to the poisonous plant.

A more recent historical figure with the name Belladonna was the Italian actress and singer Belladonna Barzizza (1873-1936). She was a prominent figure in the Italian theater scene during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Another notable Belladonna was the American burlesque performer and model Belladonna (born Michelle Anne Sinclair, 1981). She rose to prominence in the adult film industry in the early 2000s and was known for her distinctive gothic and fetish-inspired style.

While the name Belladonna has its roots in Renaissance Italy, it has since been adopted and used in various cultures and regions around the world, often associated with themes of beauty, mystery, and sometimes even danger.

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

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

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