Find out how popular the first name Varina has been for the last 42 years (from 1974 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Varina by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Varina.

The history of the first name Varina

The given name Varina has its origins in Latin, derived from the word "varius" meaning "varied" or "diverse". It is believed to have initially emerged during the Roman era, possibly as a nickname or shortened form of a longer Latin name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Varina can be found in ancient Roman inscriptions and records from around the 1st century AD. During this period, it was primarily used as a feminine name, though its exact meaning and significance remain somewhat obscure.

In the Middle Ages, the name Varina experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among certain noble and aristocratic families in Italy and other parts of Europe. It was often associated with qualities such as diversity, uniqueness, and complexity.

One notable historical figure bearing the name Varina was Varina Davis (1826-1906), the first lady of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. She was the wife of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States. Varina Davis played an influential role in supporting her husband's political career and was actively involved in various charitable and humanitarian efforts during and after the war.

Another prominent individual with the name Varina was Varina Howell Davis (1864-1898), the youngest daughter of Jefferson Davis and Varina Davis. She was known for her literary pursuits and contributions to Southern literature, authoring several works that explored the experiences of the Confederate elite during the Civil War era.

In the realm of literature, the name Varina is featured in the novel "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell, where it is the name of one of the characters, Varina Wilkes. This fictional character exemplified the grace and resilience of Southern women during the Civil War period.

Varina Tardo (1915-2008), an American opera singer and voice teacher, was another notable figure who carried this name. She had a successful career as a mezzo-soprano and later became a renowned vocal instructor, teaching many prominent opera singers.

While the name Varina has maintained a degree of popularity over the centuries, particularly in certain regions and cultural contexts, it remains a relatively uncommon and distinctive name choice in modern times.

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

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

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