Find out how popular the first name Vanitie has been for the last 1 years (from 1999 to 1999) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Vanitie by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Vanitie is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1999, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Vanitie.

The history of the first name Vanitie

The name Vanitie is derived from the Latin word "vanitas," which means "vanity" or "emptiness." Its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the concept of vanity was often associated with excessive pride, arrogance, and a preoccupation with superficial appearances.

In the early Christian era, the term "vanitas" was used by writers and philosophers to denounce the fleeting and transitory nature of worldly possessions and pleasures. The name Vanitie was likely adopted as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of human existence and the importance of humility and spiritual values.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Vanitie can be found in the writings of the 4th-century Christian philosopher and theologian, St. Augustine of Hippo. In his seminal work, "The City of God," Augustine frequently used the term "vanitas" to critique the excesses and follies of the Roman Empire.

During the medieval period, the name Vanitie appeared in various religious texts and morality plays, often personified as a character representing the vice of vanity or the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. One notable example is the 15th-century morality play "Everyman," where Vanitie is depicted as a character who tempts the protagonist with worldly desires.

In the 17th century, the name Vanitie gained prominence in England, particularly among Puritan families who sought to instill moral values and a sense of humility in their children. One notable figure from this era was Vanitie Dering (1620-1685), a wealthy English landowner and Puritan who was known for her pious lifestyle and charitable works.

Another prominent individual with the name Vanitie was Vanitie Studdon (1646-1720), an English Quaker and author who wrote extensively on religious and philosophical topics. Her works, such as "The Spiritual Guide" and "The Way to True Happiness," reflected her belief in the importance of inner spiritual growth and detachment from worldly vanities.

In the 18th century, the name Vanitie was adopted by some members of the French aristocracy, possibly as a nod to the Rococo era's emphasis on luxury and opulence. One notable figure from this period was Vanitie de Montmorency (1732-1799), a French noblewoman and patron of the arts who hosted lavish salons in Paris.

Vanitie was also a popular name among certain religious communities in the 19th century, particularly those with a focus on asceticism and simplicity. One example is Vanitie Abrahams (1815-1892), a member of the Shaker community in New York, who was known for her dedication to the Shaker principles of celibacy, communal living, and hard work.

While the name Vanitie is relatively uncommon in modern times, it serves as a reminder of the enduring human struggle between worldly desires and spiritual fulfillment, a conflict that has been explored throughout history by writers, philosophers, and religious thinkers.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!