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

Popularity of Octavia by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Octavia is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Octavia being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,123 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Octavia.

The history of the first name Octavia

The name Octavia has its origins in the Latin language and culture, tracing back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin word "octavus," meaning "eighth," which is believed to be related to the Roman numeral system.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Octavia dates back to the 1st century BC, when it was borne by Octavia the Younger, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Octavian (later known as Augustus). She was renowned for her virtue, beauty, and compassion, and played a significant role in securing political alliances during her father's reign.

In ancient Roman literature, the name Octavia appears in various historical accounts and literary works, including those written by renowned authors such as Plutarch and Suetonius. It was a name associated with nobility and prestige among the Roman elite.

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Octavia. One of the most famous was Octavia Thoreau, the sister of the renowned American author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. Born in 1820, she was a dedicated teacher and an ardent abolitionist, actively supporting the anti-slavery movement in the United States.

Another prominent Octavia was Octavia Hill, a British social reformer born in 1838. She was a pioneering figure in the field of urban housing reform and a co-founder of the National Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving historic sites and natural landscapes in England.

In the literary world, Octavia E. Butler, born in 1947, was a celebrated American science fiction writer known for her groundbreaking works that explored themes of race, gender, and social inequality. She was the first science fiction writer to receive the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the "Genius Grant."

Octavia Paz, born in 1914, was a renowned Mexican poet, writer, and diplomat who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990. His works, which often explored themes of love, solitude, and the human condition, have had a profound impact on Latin American literature.

Octavia Spencer, born in 1970, is a contemporary American actress and author who has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, for her powerful performances in films such as "The Help" and "Hidden Figures."

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

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

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