Find out how popular the first name Ponciano has been for the last 27 years (from 1974 to 2000) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ponciano by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Ponciano is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2000, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ponciano.

The history of the first name Ponciano

The name Ponciano is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman name Pontianus. It can be traced back to the early centuries of the Christian era, when the name was borne by several early saints and martyrs.

Ponciano emerged as a variant of the name Pontianus, which itself is derived from the Latin word "pontis," meaning "bridge." This association with bridges or crossings may have held symbolic significance in ancient Roman culture, perhaps representing a connection between realms or a transitional figure.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ponciano is found in the historical accounts of Saint Pontianus, who served as the Bishop of Rome from 230 to 235 AD. He was exiled to the island of Sardinia during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Maximinus Thrax and is traditionally venerated as a martyr.

Another notable figure bearing the name Ponciano was Ponciano Arriaga (1922-1997), a renowned Mexican writer and philosopher. He was a prominent voice in Latin American literature and is celebrated for his contributions to the development of philosophical thought in the region.

In the realm of religious history, the name Ponciano is associated with Saint Ponciano, a 3rd-century martyr who is said to have been a soldier in the Roman army. According to tradition, he was executed for his Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Aurelian in the late 3rd century.

The name Ponciano also appears in the annals of Mexican history, with Ponciano Arriaga (1811-1863), a liberal politician and military figure who played a significant role in the Reform War, a civil conflict that shaped the country's path towards secularism and modernization.

Another notable bearer of the name was Ponciano Vega (1863-1936), a Mexican artist and painter renowned for his works depicting everyday life and indigenous themes. His paintings are considered essential representations of the cultural and social landscapes of Mexico in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These historical figures and their associations with the name Ponciano illustrate its enduring presence across different eras and cultural contexts, from its ancient Roman roots to its adoption and prominence in various regions, particularly in Latin American and Mexican traditions.

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

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

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