Find out how popular the first name Viola has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Viola by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Viola is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 231 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Viola.

The history of the first name Viola

The name Viola is derived from the Latin word viola, meaning violet. It is a feminine form of the name Vio, which is believed to have originated from the Roman family name Violius. The name is thought to have been given to children with violet-colored eyes or born during the spring when violets bloom.

In ancient Roman times, the violet flower was associated with fertility, love, and modesty. It was believed to have aphrodisiac properties and was often used in love potions and rituals. The name Viola may have been used to honor the goddess Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, who was often depicted with violets.

The earliest recorded use of the name Viola dates back to the 13th century. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Viola de Lacy, an English noblewoman who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. She was the daughter of Walter de Lacy, Lord of Meath, and inherited a significant amount of land and wealth from her father.

Another notable Viola in history was Viola Liuzzo, an American civil rights activist who was murdered in 1965 while participating in the Selma to Montgomery marches in Alabama. She was born in 1925 and her tragic death brought national attention to the civil rights movement and the violence faced by activists.

In the 16th century, Viola Bardane was an Italian painter and poet known for her portraits and religious works. She was born in Naples in 1557 and her paintings can be found in various churches and museums throughout Italy.

Viola Pettit was an American actress and dancer who was a member of the Ziegfeld Follies in the early 20th century. She was born in 1888 and appeared in several Broadway productions and silent films during her career.

Viola Desmond was a Canadian businesswoman and civil rights activist who challenged racial segregation in Nova Scotia in the 1940s. She was born in 1914 and her act of resistance sparked a movement against segregation in Canada. She was posthumously pardoned and has been featured on the Canadian $10 banknote since 2018.

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

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

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