Find out how popular the first name Myrtis has been for the last 14 years (from 1974 to 1987) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Myrtis by gender

Based on the last 14 years of data, Myrtis is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1987, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Myrtis.

The history of the first name Myrtis

The name Myrtis has its roots in Greek mythology and culture. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "myrtis," which means "myrtle." The myrtle plant held great significance in Greek mythology, often associated with the goddess Aphrodite and representing beauty, love, and fertility.

In ancient Greece, the name Myrtis was likely given to girls born under the auspicious sign of the myrtle plant. It was a name that carried symbolic meaning and was believed to bestow the qualities of grace and charm upon its bearer.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Myrtis can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek poet Sappho, who lived around 630-570 BCE. Sappho's poetry mentions a woman named Myrtis, suggesting that the name was in use during the archaic period of ancient Greece.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Myrtis. One such figure was Myrtis of Anthedon, a Greek woman who lived in the 3rd century BCE and was renowned for her skill in poetry and riddles. She is mentioned in the works of ancient authors like Athenaeus and Plutarch.

Another notable Myrtis was a Greek philosopher from the 4th century BCE, who was a student of Plato and a contemporary of Aristotle. She is believed to have written works on philosophy and ethics, although none of her writings have survived to the present day.

In the realm of literature, Myrtis Kleinbort (1872-1964) was a German-American writer and feminist activist who wrote several novels and short stories exploring themes of women's rights and social issues.

Moving to the modern era, Myrtis Dightman (1908-2005) was an American jazz singer and bandleader who rose to prominence during the Swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her powerful vocals and her ability to captivate audiences with her performances.

Another notable figure was Myrtis Cain (1920-2014), an American politician and civil rights activist who served as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1964 to 1988. She played a significant role in the fight against segregation and racial discrimination in her home state.

While the name Myrtis may not be as widely used today as it was in ancient times, it remains a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich historical legacy rooted in Greek mythology and culture.

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

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

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