Find out how popular the first name Donzel has been for the last 32 years (from 1986 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Donzel by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Donzel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Donzel.

The history of the first name Donzel

The name Donzel is derived from the Old French word "donzel," which means "young squire" or "young nobleman." This name has its origins in the chivalric traditions of medieval France, where young men from noble families would serve as squires to knights before being knighted themselves.

During the Middle Ages, the name Donzel was primarily used among the French nobility and upper classes. It was a title bestowed upon young men of noble birth who were being trained in the arts of war and chivalry. The name was also associated with qualities such as bravery, honor, and loyalty, which were highly valued in the medieval knighthood culture.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Donzel can be found in the 12th-century French epic poem "The Song of Roland," where it is used to refer to a young squire. Additionally, the name appears in various medieval French literary works and historical records, reflecting its popularity among the aristocratic classes of the time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Donzel. One such person was Donzel de Faye (c. 1180 - c. 1250), a French knight and troubadour who served under King Philip II of France during the Albigensian Crusade. Another was Donzel de Prato (c. 1300 - c. 1370), an Italian jurist and professor of law at the University of Bologna.

In the 15th century, Donzel Strozzi (1415 - 1479) was a prominent Florentine banker and statesman who played a significant role in the political affairs of the Florentine Republic. Later, in the 16th century, Donzel de Xérica (c. 1520 - c. 1590) was a Spanish nobleman and military commander who fought in the wars against the Ottomans in the Mediterranean.

Another notable figure was Donzel de Casteljaloux (c. 1580 - c. 1650), a French nobleman and military officer who served under King Louis XIII during the Thirty Years' War. He was renowned for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield.

While the name Donzel has faded in popularity in recent times, it remains a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of medieval Europe, particularly the traditions of chivalry and knighthood that were so revered during that era.

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

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

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