Delphia first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Delphia has been for the last 44 years (from 1974 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Delphia

Feminine name derived from ancient Greek Delphi, a city associated with the oracle.

Popularity of Delphia by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Delphia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Delphia.

Year Male Count Female Count
2017 0 7
2016 0 9
2015 0 6
2014 0 5
2007 0 5
1994 0 5
1991 0 6
1986 0 8
1985 0 5
1984 0 5
1983 0 6
1982 0 11
1981 0 6
1980 0 6
1978 0 6
1977 0 11
1976 0 7
1975 0 11
1974 0 9

The history of the first name Delphia

The name Delphia has its roots in ancient Greece, originating from the city of Delphi, renowned for its famous oracle and temple dedicated to the god Apollo. The name is derived from the Greek word "delphis," which translates to "womb" or "belly," reflecting the city's association with fertility and new beginnings.

In Greek mythology, Delphi was considered the navel or center of the world, making the name Delphia a powerful symbol of centrality and significance. The Delphic Oracle, located in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, played a crucial role in ancient Greek religion and culture, attracting pilgrims from across the Mediterranean world seeking guidance and wisdom.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Delphia can be traced back to ancient Greek texts and inscriptions from the 5th century BCE. One notable bearer of the name was Delphia of Gela, a female philosopher and mathematician from the city of Gela in Sicily, who lived around 400 BCE and was renowned for her contributions to the field of geometry.

In the Middle Ages, the name Delphia found its way into Christian traditions, particularly in Eastern Orthodox communities. Saint Delphia, a 4th-century martyr from Antioch, was venerated for her unwavering faith and martyrdom during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Her feast day is celebrated annually on May 24th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

During the Renaissance, the name Delphia experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among humanist scholars and artists who drew inspiration from classical Greek culture. One notable figure was Delphia Trivulzio (1474-1554), an Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts, known for her support of renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

In the 18th century, Delphia Muir (1731-1803) was a Scottish botanist and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of plant life in her native country. Her extensive collections and meticulous documentation of Scottish flora earned her recognition among contemporary naturalists.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Delphia Erskine (1844-1921), a British philanthropist and social reformer who dedicated her life to improving the living conditions of the working class in London. She founded several charitable organizations and played a pivotal role in advocating for better housing and education opportunities for the underprivileged.

While the name Delphia has maintained a relatively low popularity in modern times, its rich historical roots and connections to ancient Greek mythology, philosophy, and Renaissance humanism have endowed it with a sense of intellectual curiosity, artistic appreciation, and a reverence for wisdom and knowledge.

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

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

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"Delphia first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on October 31, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/delphia-meaning-and-history/.

"Delphia first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/delphia-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 31 October, 2024

Delphia first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/delphia-meaning-and-history/.

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