Find out how popular the first name Jonquil has been for the last 34 years (from 1974 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jonquil by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Jonquil is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 77% of people named Jonquil being female.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jonquil.

It's also interesting to see that despite Jonquil being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2007 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Jonquil.

The history of the first name Jonquil

The name Jonquil has its origins in the French language, derived from the word "jonquille," which refers to the jonquil flower, a species of daffodil. This floral association suggests a connection to nature, beauty, and springtime renewal.

In the late 16th century, the jonquil flower was introduced to Europe from its native regions in the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. As the flower gained popularity in gardens and horticulture, its name likely began to be adopted as a given name, particularly in France.

While the exact origins of the name's use as a personal name are uncertain, some records indicate it may have been used as early as the 17th century. One of the earliest recorded instances is Jonquil Mayers, an English woman born in 1675 in London.

Throughout history, the name Jonquil has been relatively uncommon, but a few notable individuals have borne this unique moniker. Jonquil Antoinette Pickard (1849-1941) was a British artist and painter known for her landscapes and floral works. Jonquil Trevor (1917-1995) was an English actress and writer, best known for her performances on the stage and in BBC radio dramas.

In the literary realm, Jonquil Olivia Peckover is a fictional character created by British author Dorothy L. Sayers in her Lord Peter Wimsey mystery series. The character, introduced in the 1928 novel "Unnatural Death," is a young and spirited woman who becomes involved in the novel's central mystery.

Another notable bearer of the name was Jonquil Gwenneth Stevenson (1930-2017), a renowned British archaeologist and academic who specialized in the study of ancient Roman Britain. Her excavations and research shed light on Roman settlements and cultural practices in the region.

While uncommon, the name Jonquil has persisted throughout history, perhaps due to its unique floral connotations and the charm of its lyrical sound. Its rarity has made it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that stands out from more common options.

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

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

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