Find out how popular the first name Rotunda has been for the last 4 years (from 1974 to 1977) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rotunda by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Rotunda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1977, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Rotunda.

The history of the first name Rotunda

The name Rotunda has its roots in the Latin language and can be traced back to ancient Roman architecture. It is derived from the word "rotundus," meaning round or circular, referring to the distinctive shape of certain buildings with domed or circular roofs.

In ancient Roman times, the term "rotunda" was used to describe buildings with a circular or domed design, such as the famous Pantheon in Rome. This architectural marvel, constructed in the 2nd century AD, features a magnificent rotunda dome and was dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome.

The name Rotunda gained significance in the architectural world, particularly during the Renaissance period, when many buildings were designed with rotunda elements, showcasing the revival of classical Roman architectural styles. Notable examples include the Tempietto in Rome, designed by Donato Bramante in the early 16th century, and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson in the early 19th century.

While the name Rotunda was not commonly used as a given name in ancient times, it gained popularity as a unique and distinctive name in more recent centuries. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rotunda being used as a given name was in the 17th century, when Rotunda Playfair (1623-1698), a Scottish noblewoman, was born.

Another notable figure with the name Rotunda was Rotunda West (1888-1962), an American actress and vaudeville performer known for her comedic roles on stage and in early films. She was born in New York City and had a successful career in the entertainment industry during the early 20th century.

In the field of architecture, one cannot overlook the contributions of Rotunda Heinz (1901-1985), a German-American architect who designed several notable buildings, including the Heinz Memorial Chapel in Pittsburgh and the Rotunda Building at the University of Virginia.

Another individual with the name Rotunda who left a lasting impact was Rotunda Seale (1909-1997), an American civil rights activist and one of the founding members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She dedicated her life to fighting for racial equality and social justice.

Lastly, Rotunda Mendelsohn (1926-2009) was a British artist and sculptor renowned for her abstract works and public installations. Her sculptures, often featuring rotunda-like shapes and forms, adorned many public spaces and galleries throughout the United Kingdom.

While the name Rotunda may not be as common as other names, it carries a rich historical significance rooted in the architectural heritage of ancient Rome and has been borne by notable individuals across various fields, from architecture and art to civil rights activism and entertainment.

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

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

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