Find out how popular the first name Flavia has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Flavia by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Flavia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Flavia.

The history of the first name Flavia

The name Flavia has its origins in the Latin language and culture. It is believed to have derived from the Latin word "flavus," which means "golden" or "yellow." The name likely emerged during the Roman era, when it was associated with the golden-haired or fair-complexioned individuals.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Flavia can be traced back to the 1st century AD. Flavia was the family name of the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire from 69 to 96 AD. This dynasty included emperors such as Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, who were known for their military conquests and contributions to architecture and infrastructure in Rome.

In ancient Roman history, one notable figure bearing the name Flavia was Flavia Neapolis, also known as Nablus. She was a Roman city in the region of Samaria, which is now part of modern-day Palestine. The city was founded by the Roman emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and named after his family, the Flavian dynasty.

During the medieval period, the name Flavia was relatively uncommon, but it resurfaced in the Renaissance era. One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Flavia was Flavia Peretti (1554-1598), an Italian noblewoman and the sister of Pope Sixtus V. She played a significant role in the patronage of arts and architecture during the Renaissance period in Rome.

Another prominent figure with the name Flavia was Flavia Arlunno (1615-1670), an Italian painter and engraver from Rome. She was one of the few female artists recognized during her time and is known for her religious paintings and engravings.

In the 19th century, Flavia Steno (1840-1921) was an Italian writer and journalist who championed women's rights and advocated for social reforms in Italy. She was also actively involved in the Italian unification movement.

More recently, Flavia Pennetta (born in 1982) is an Italian former professional tennis player. She won the 2015 US Open singles title and was ranked as high as No. 6 in the world. Pennetta retired from professional tennis in 2015 after her US Open victory.

Flavia Coelho (born in 1986) is a Brazilian model and actress. She has appeared in various fashion campaigns and television shows, including the popular Brazilian soap opera "Avenida Brasil" in 2012.

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

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

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