Find out how popular the first name Innocent has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Innocent by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Innocent is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 93% of people named Innocent being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Innocent.

The history of the first name Innocent

The name Innocent originates from the Late Latin name Innocentius, which is derived from the Latin word innocens, meaning "innocent" or "harmless". It stems from the prefix in- (meaning "not") and the word nocens (meaning "harmful" or "injurious"). The name was initially used as a descriptive name or nickname for someone considered pure, guileless, or without sin.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Innocent can be found in the Bible's New Testament, where it is mentioned as the name of one of the first seven deacons of the Christian Church in Rome. Saint Innocent I, born around 337 AD, was the Bishop of Rome from 401 to 417 AD and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

During the Middle Ages, the name Innocent gained popularity in various parts of Europe, particularly in Italy and France. It was often chosen for boys as a reflection of the Christian virtue of innocence and purity. One notable figure from this period was Pope Innocent III, born Lotario dei Conti di Segni in 1160 or 1161, who served as the Pope from 1198 to 1216 and is considered one of the most powerful and influential popes of the Middle Ages.

In the 16th century, Innocent IX, born Giovanni Antonio Facchinetti in 1519, was the Pope from 1591 to 1592. His brief papacy lasted only two months, but he is remembered for his efforts to reform the Church and address corruption.

Another notable figure with the name Innocent was Innocent X, born Giovanni Battista Pamphilj in 1574. He served as the Pope from 1644 to 1655 and is known for his patronage of the arts, particularly the works of the Italian Baroque painter and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

In more recent history, Innocent Simelane was a prominent South African trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist who played a significant role in the struggle against racial segregation in South Africa. He was born in 1921 and died in 1991.

The name Innocent, while not as common today as it was in the past, still holds a significant place in history, particularly in religious and cultural contexts. Its meaning of purity and lack of harm has made it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with positive connotations.

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

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

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