Find out how popular the first name Solenn has been for the last 12 years (from 2011 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Solenn by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Solenn is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Solenn.

The history of the first name Solenn

The given name Solenn originated from the Breton language spoken in the region of Brittany, France. It is derived from the Breton words "sol" meaning sun and "enn" meaning little, thus translating to "little sun." The name has been in use since medieval times and is believed to have pagan roots, possibly connected to sun worship or solar deities in ancient Celtic cultures.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Solenn can be found in the 9th century Breton hagiography, "La Vie de Saint Gildas." In this text, a character named Solenn is mentioned as a noblewoman from the region of Cornouaille. This suggests that the name was already in use among the Breton nobility during the early medieval period.

In the 12th century, the name appears in the Breton manuscript "Cartulaire de Quimperlé," which documents various land transactions and legal proceedings in the region. The name Solenn is listed as a witness to several of these events, indicating its continued use among the local population.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals bearing the name Solenn. One of the most famous was Solenn de Kervezec (c. 1435-1504), a Breton noblewoman and patron of the arts, known for her support of poets and musicians. Another notable figure was Solenn Le Goff (c. 1520-1590), a Breton scholar and linguist who made significant contributions to the preservation of the Breton language.

In the realm of literature, the name Solenn is associated with the 17th-century Breton writer and poet, Solenn Ledan (1614-1670), whose works were instrumental in reviving interest in Breton language and culture during the Renaissance period. Additionally, Solenn Kernabat (1755-1819), a Breton revolutionary and activist, played a prominent role in the French Revolution and advocated for the rights of the Breton people.

More recently, the name gained recognition with Solenn Poirine (1901-1987), a renowned Breton artist and sculptor known for her works depicting Breton folklore and traditions. Her sculptures can be found in various public spaces throughout Brittany, cementing the name's association with the region's cultural heritage.

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

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