Find out how popular the first name Lanita has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lanita by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lanita.

The history of the first name Lanita

The name Lanita is believed to have originated from the Latin language, with its roots tracing back to ancient Roman times. It is thought to be a feminine form of the Latin name "Lanus," which was derived from the word "lana," meaning "wool." This connection suggests that the name may have been associated with the wool trade or textile industry in its earliest uses.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lanita can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Livy, who lived from 59 BC to 17 AD. In his historical accounts, he mentions a woman named Lanita who was a prominent figure in the city of Rome during the 1st century BC. Unfortunately, details about her life and accomplishments are scarce.

During the Middle Ages, the name Lanita gained popularity among Christian communities, particularly in Italy and Spain. It is believed that some families may have adopted the name as a way to honor Saint Lanita, a lesser-known martyr from the 3rd century AD. However, records of her life and the circumstances surrounding her martyrdom are sparse.

In the 12th century, a notable figure named Lanita di Montefeltro (1120-1195) gained recognition as a skilled painter and fresco artist in Italy. Her works adorned several churches and monasteries throughout the region, although few of them have survived to modern times.

Another historical figure bearing the name Lanita was Lanita de Verona (1285-1348), a Benedictine nun and writer from the city of Verona, Italy. She is known for her collection of religious poetry and devotional works, which were widely circulated among monastic communities during her lifetime.

In the 16th century, Lanita Gonzaga (1515-1566) was a prominent noblewoman and patron of the arts in the Duchy of Mantua, Italy. She played a significant role in supporting and commissioning works of art, architecture, and literature, contributing to the cultural renaissance of the region.

The name Lanita also found its way into literature, with one notable example being the character of Lanita Sorel in the novel "The Red and the Black" by Stendhal, published in 1830. Although a fictional character, her portrayal in the novel may have influenced the perception and popularity of the name during that time period.

While the name Lanita has seen varying levels of usage throughout history, its origins and connections to ancient Latin and early Christian communities have left an indelible mark on its cultural significance and linguistic heritage.

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

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

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