Find out how popular the first name Wisteria has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wisteria by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Wisteria is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 18 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Wisteria.

The history of the first name Wisteria

The given name Wisteria has its origins in the botanical world, deriving from the name of a genus of flowering plants in the pea family. This genus, native to parts of Asia, was named "Wisteria" by English botanist Thomas Nuttall in 1818, in honor of his friend Dr. Caspar Wistar, an American anatomist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

The wisteria plant, known for its cascading clusters of fragrant, pea-like flowers, has long been admired for its beauty and grace. It's possible that the name Wisteria was first bestowed upon a child as a nod to the plant's delicate and enchanting qualities, though precise records of its earliest usage as a given name are scarce.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Wisteria was Wisteria Hutson, born in 1876 in Texas. Her unique name may have been inspired by the then-novel plant genus, suggesting that the name's transition from botanical to personal had occurred by the late 19th century.

In literature, the name Wisteria appears in several works, including the 1902 novel "Wisteria" by American author Zona Gale. This fictional character's name likely contributed to the name's recognition and popularity in the early 20th century.

Another notable Wisteria was Wisteria Fletcher, an American actress born in 1913, who appeared in several films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Her unique name may have helped her stand out in the entertainment industry during that era.

Wisteria Apperson, born in 1920 in Mississippi, was a pioneering African American educator who dedicated her life to improving educational opportunities for underprivileged children. Her name, reflective of the delicate yet resilient wisteria vine, served as a fitting tribute to her perseverance and commitment.

One of the most recent historical figures to bear the name Wisteria was Wisteria Perry, an American singer and songwriter born in 1942. She was known for her work in the blues and gospel genres, and her distinctive name added to her memorable stage presence.

While the name Wisteria may have originated from the botanical realm, it has since transcended its floral roots, becoming a unique and evocative personal name for individuals across various cultures and time periods.

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

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

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