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

Popularity of Myrtle by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Myrtle.

The history of the first name Myrtle

The name Myrtle has its origins in the ancient Greek language, deriving from the word "myrtus" which refers to the evergreen shrub of the same name. This shrub, with its fragrant leaves and berries, was highly revered in Greek mythology and was associated with the goddess Aphrodite.

In Greek mythology, the myrtle plant was considered sacred and was often used in religious rituals and ceremonies. It was believed to have purifying and protective properties, and was frequently used in wedding ceremonies as a symbol of love and fertility.

The earliest recorded use of the name Myrtle dates back to ancient Greece, where it was given to girls as a symbol of beauty, love, and purity. It was a popular name among the ancient Greeks and was often used in literature and poetry.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Myrtle can be found in the works of the Greek poet Sappho, who lived around 600 BC. She wrote several poems that mentioned the myrtle plant and its association with love and beauty.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Myrtle. One of the most famous was Myrtle Gonzalez (1891-1918), a Mexican-American actress and singer who was one of the first Latina stars of the early Hollywood era.

Another notable Myrtle was Myrtle Bachelder (1879-1957), an American educator and suffragist who played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century.

In the world of literature, Myrtle Reed (1874-1911) was an American novelist and poet who wrote several popular books in the early 1900s, including "Lavender and Old Lace" and "The Spinster Book."

Myrtle Stedman (1856-1938) was a British-born Australian actress who had a successful career on stage and in silent films in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Finally, Myrtle Corrigan (1908-1968) was an American aviator and one of the first female pilots in the United States. She was a pioneering figure in aviation and set several records for long-distance and endurance flights in the 1930s.

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

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

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