Find out how popular the first name Severa has been for the last 42 years (from 1976 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Severa by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Severa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Severa.

The history of the first name Severa

The name Severa is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "severus," meaning "severe," "strict," or "harsh." It emerged during the ancient Roman era, reflecting the Roman cultural values of discipline, austerity, and seriousness.

In ancient Rome, the name Severa was often bestowed upon girls born into noble or influential families, as it carried a sense of strength and fortitude. It was particularly popular among the upper classes who embraced the Roman virtues of stoicism and self-control.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Severa can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Tacitus, who mentioned a woman named Severa living during the 1st century AD. However, the name gained greater prominence in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, as evidenced by its appearance on inscriptions and tombstones from that period.

Throughout history, several notable women have carried the name Severa. One of the most famous was Severa, the wife of the Roman Emperor Aurelian, who reigned from 270 to 275 AD. She played a significant role in shaping the policies of her husband's reign and was highly respected for her intelligence and influence.

Another Severa of historical importance was Severa, the mother of the Roman Emperor Geta, who co-ruled with his brother Caracalla in the early 3rd century AD. Her influence on the imperial court and her efforts to reconcile her feuding sons are well-documented in historical accounts.

In the 4th century, there was Severa, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Licinius, who was betrothed to the son of Constantine the Great, cementing an alliance between the two powerful families. However, the marriage never took place due to political upheavals and the eventual defeat of Licinius.

During the Middle Ages, the name Severa was less common, but it resurfaced in the Renaissance period, particularly in Italy. One notable figure was Severa Ognibene, a 16th-century Italian painter and miniaturist, renowned for her exquisite works depicting religious scenes and portraits.

In the 19th century, the name Severa was revived in literature, appearing as a character in the novel "The Betrothed" by the Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni, published in 1827. This literary representation helped to popularize the name once again, particularly in Italy and other parts of Europe.

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

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

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