Find out how popular the first name Petunia has been for the last 10 years (from 2014 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Petunia by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Petunia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Petunia.

The history of the first name Petunia

The name Petunia is derived from the Latin word "petunia," which refers to the flowering plant of the same name. The petunia plant, a member of the nightshade family, is native to South America and was brought to Europe in the early 19th century.

In terms of the name's origin, it was initially used as a given name in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States and Britain, during the Victorian era. The name's popularity coincided with the introduction of the petunia flower to European gardens, which became a symbol of charm and beauty.

While there are no direct historical references to the name Petunia in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its association with the petunia flower has led to its use as a given name, often representing qualities such as grace, elegance, and a love for nature.

One of the earliest recorded examples of Petunia as a given name can be found in the 1880 United States Census, where a small number of individuals were listed with this name. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the name gained more widespread popularity.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Petunia, including:

1. Petunia Rolle (1912-2008), an American botanist and educator known for her work in promoting the study of horticulture and plant sciences.

2. Petunia Samson (1906-1992), a British artist and illustrator whose works were featured in various children's books and magazines during the mid-20th century.

3. Petunia Buchholz (1921-2003), a German-American writer and journalist who documented the experiences of German immigrants in the United States during the post-World War II era.

4. Petunia Burgess (1928-2010), an Australian activist and advocate for women's rights, who played a significant role in the feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s.

5. Petunia Everett (1939-2019), an American singer and songwriter known for her contributions to the folk music scene in the 1960s and her collaborations with various notable musicians of the time.

While the name Petunia is not as common today as it once was, it remains a unique and charming choice for parents seeking a name with a connection to nature and a rich historical background.

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

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

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