Find out how popular the first name Docia has been for the last 6 years (from 1975 to 1980) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Docia by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Docia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1980, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Docia.

The history of the first name Docia

The given name Docia is of Latin origin and dates back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin word "doctus," meaning "learned" or "educated." The name likely emerged during the classical era when education and scholarship were highly valued in Roman society.

Docia was a relatively uncommon name in ancient Rome, but it was occasionally bestowed upon girls born into scholarly or intellectual families. The earliest recorded instance of the name appears in a historical text from the 2nd century AD, referring to a Roman noblewoman named Docia Paulina, who was known for her literary pursuits and patronage of the arts.

In the Middle Ages, the name Docia fell out of widespread use but persisted in certain regions of Europe, particularly in the areas that were once part of the Roman Empire. It resurfaced in Italy during the Renaissance period, a time of renewed appreciation for classical culture and learning.

One notable figure from this era was Docia Quintavalle (1450-1520), an Italian humanist and scholar who was renowned for her expertise in Latin and Greek literature. She was part of a circle of intellectuals in Florence and corresponded with prominent figures like Marsilio Ficino and Pico della Mirandola.

In the 17th century, the name Docia gained popularity in certain parts of Eastern Europe, particularly in Romania, where it was adopted as a feminine form of the masculine name Docio. Docia Hurmuzachi (1782-1857) was a Romanian noblewoman and philanthropist who played a significant role in promoting education and social welfare initiatives in her country.

Moving forward to the 19th century, Docia Kovalevskaya (1850-1891) was a Russian mathematician and writer who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of partial differential equations and was the first woman to be appointed to a full professorship in Northern Europe.

Another notable figure was Docia Levi-Salles (1864-1937), an Italian Jewish educator and writer who advocated for women's rights and education. She founded several schools and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged women and children in Italy.

Overall, while not a common name throughout history, Docia has been borne by several remarkable individuals who embodied the qualities of learning, scholarship, and intellectual pursuit that the name represents.

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

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

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