Find out how popular the first name Parthena has been for the last 19 years (from 1975 to 1993) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Parthena by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Parthena is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1993, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Parthena.

The history of the first name Parthena

The given name Parthena has its origins in Ancient Greek, where it was derived from the word "parthenos" meaning "virgin" or "maiden." This name was prevalent in ancient Greek culture, particularly during the Classical and Hellenistic periods, spanning from the 5th century BCE to the 3rd century BCE.

Parthena was a name often associated with the goddess Athena, the virgin goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare. In Greek mythology, Athena was born directly from the head of Zeus, the king of the gods, and remained a perpetual virgin. The name Parthena was likely used to honor this revered goddess and to bestow her qualities upon the bearer.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Parthena can be found in Athenian inscriptions from the 4th century BCE. These inscriptions documented the names of citizens, including women named Parthena. Additionally, the name appears in ancient Greek literature, such as in the works of the playwright Aristophanes, who lived from around 446 BCE to 386 BCE.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Parthena. One example is Parthena of Nauplia, a Greek woman who lived in the late 4th century BCE and was known for her bravery during the Spartan invasion of Nauplia. Another figure is Parthena of Argos, a priestess of Hera who lived in the 3rd century BCE and was renowned for her devotion to the goddess.

In the Byzantine era, Parthena was a relatively common name among Greek women. One notable bearer was Parthena Lekapene, a member of the influential Lekapene family, who lived in the 10th century CE and was known for her piety and charitable works.

Another historical figure with the name Parthena was Parthena Kantakouzene, a Byzantine noblewoman who lived in the 14th century CE. She was the wife of the Byzantine emperor John VI Kantakouzenos and played a significant role in the political and cultural affairs of the empire.

Lastly, Parthena Anghelina was a Greek woman who lived in the late 18th century and was renowned for her involvement in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. She is remembered for her courage and sacrifice in the fight for Greek liberation.

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

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

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