Find out how popular the first name Esmirna has been for the last 23 years (from 1982 to 2004) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Esmirna by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Esmirna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2004, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Esmirna.

The history of the first name Esmirna

The name Esmirna has its origins in the ancient Greek city of Smyrna, which is now known as Izmir in modern-day Turkey. The city was one of the most important urban centers of the ancient Greek world, renowned for its prosperity, culture, and strategic location on the Aegean coast of Anatolia.

Smyrna was originally an Ancient Greek word derived from the word "myrrh," which was a precious resin used in perfumes and incense. The name Esmirna likely emerged as a variant spelling or pronunciation of the city's name, reflecting the influence of different languages and dialects in the region over the centuries.

In Greek mythology, Smyrna was associated with the tragic love story of the nymph Smyrna and her father, the Assyrian king Theias. The myth tells of Smyrna's forbidden love for her father, which led to her transformation into a myrrh tree. This mythological connection further reinforced the link between the city's name and the fragrant resin.

The earliest recorded examples of the name Esmirna can be traced back to the Byzantine era, when the city was a part of the Eastern Roman Empire. During this time, Smyrna was an important center of Christianity and was one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Esmirna or its variants:

1. Esmirna of Alexandria (4th century AD), a Christian martyr and saint venerated in the Orthodox and Catholic churches.
2. Esmirna Rizou (1810-1886), a Greek revolutionary and heroine of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire.
3. Esmirna Kaloglou (1888-1971), a Greek writer and feminist activist known for her contributions to literature and women's rights.
4. Esmirna Savvidou (1908-1988), a Greek actress and theatre director who played a significant role in the development of modern Greek theatre.
5. Esmirna Papadopoulou (1933-2008), a Greek painter and sculptor renowned for her innovative use of materials and techniques in her artwork.

While the name Esmirna has its roots in ancient Greek history and mythology, it has transcended its linguistic and cultural origins to become a name celebrated across various traditions and regions, reflecting the rich tapestry of human experiences and histories.

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

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

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