Myrtle
Myrtle is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Refers to the myrtle plant, an evergreen shrub symbolising love and victory.
Origin and history
Myrtle is an English botanical name derived from the evergreen shrub, long associated with love, peace, and victory in ancient Greek mythology. It was exceptionally popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. Today, it is considered a vintage, rare choice with classical roots.
Popularity in the United States
136,486 babies in the United States have been named Myrtle since 1880. It ranks #296 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2081.
States where it is most popular
- NC (7.4 %)
- TX (6.7 %)
- KY (5.3 %)
- AL (4.9 %)
- PA (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 9,769 |
| 1890-1900 | 17,717 |
| 1900-1910 | 19,691 |
| 1910-1920 | 32,432 |
| 1920-1930 | 30,569 |
| 1930-1940 | 14,134 |
| 1940-1950 | 7,274 |
| 1950-1960 | 3,106 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,166 |
| 1970-1980 | 356 |
| 1980-1990 | 153 |
| 1990-2000 | 62 |
| 2000-2010 | 6 |
| 2010-2019 | 31 |
| 2020-2029 | 20 |
Famous people named Myrtle
- Myrtle Corbin: Sideshow Performer
- Myrtle Stedman: Actress, Singer
Nicknames
Myrt, Myrtie
Fun facts
- Myrtle gained widespread popularity in the late 1800s during the Victorian period when flower and plant names were highly fashionable.
- In ancient Greece and Rome, myrtle was sacred to Aphrodite and Venus and was used in bridal wreaths as a emblem of enduring love.