Find out how popular the first name Palmyra has been for the last 2 years (from 2020 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Palmyra by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Palmyra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Palmyra.

The history of the first name Palmyra

Palmyra is a given name that originates from the ancient city of Palmyra, located in present-day Syria. This city was an important desert oasis and trading center in the Syrian Desert during the ancient Greco-Roman period. The name Palmyra is derived from the Latin word "palma," meaning "palm tree," which is a reference to the city's lush palm groves and oasis-like setting.

The earliest known historical reference to the name Palmyra can be traced back to the 1st century AD, when the city was a part of the Roman Empire. The name gained popularity during this time, as Palmyra became an influential and prosperous city along the Silk Road trade routes. It was known for its impressive architecture, including the famous ruins of the Temple of Bel and the iconic Monumental Arch.

In the 3rd century AD, Palmyra rose to prominence under the leadership of Queen Zenobia, who ruled the Palmyrene Empire from 267 to 272 AD. Zenobia was a powerful and influential ruler who defied the Roman Empire and briefly conquered parts of modern-day Egypt, Turkey, and Lebanon. While she was eventually defeated by the Roman emperor Aurelian, Zenobia's legacy and the name Palmyra became closely associated with strength and resilience.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Palmyra was Palmyra Hoskins (1841-1928), an American pioneer and midwife who helped establish early settlements in Kansas and Colorado. Another notable figure was Palmyra Petri (1877-1916), a Swedish artist and painter known for her landscapes and portraits.

In the 20th century, Palmyra Tompkins (1901-1995) was an American writer and historian who authored several books on the history of New York City and Long Island. Palmyra Geraki (1916-1970) was a Greek actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions in the 1940s and 1950s.

More recently, Palmyra Brumfield (1944-2019) was an American lawyer and civil rights activist who played a significant role in desegregating public schools in Mississippi during the 1960s.

While the name Palmyra is not as common today as it was in the past, it remains a unique and historically significant name with connections to the ancient city and its rich cultural 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 Palmyra was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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