Virginia
Maiden, pure — a girl name of Latin origin
Popularity of Virginia in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Virginia
Virginia derives from the Latin "Virginius," an ancient Roman family name likely connected to "virgo" meaning "maiden" or "virgin." The name gained English-language prominence when Sir Walter Raleigh named the American colony of Virginia in honour of Elizabeth I, the "Virgin Queen," in 1584. Virginia Woolf, the modernist author of Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse, is among the most renowned bearers. The name was extremely popular in the early 20th century in the United States and retains a graceful, literary quality. It evokes both classical heritage and American history.
Virginia Around the World
Virginia is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Virginia
Famous People Named Virginia
- Virginia Woolf — English modernist author
- Virginia Apgar — American physician who created the Apgar score
- Virginia Hall — American spy during World War II
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Sibling Name Ideas for Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Virginia mean?
Virginia is a girl name of Latin origin meaning "Maiden, pure." Virginia derives from the Latin "Virginius," an ancient Roman family name likely connected to "virgo" meaning "maiden" or "virgin." The name gained English-language prominence when Sir Walter Raleigh named the American colony of Virginia in honour of Elizabeth I, the "Virgin Queen," in 1584.
How do you pronounce Virginia?
Virginia is pronounced ver-JIN-ee-uh. Common variations include Virginie, Virginija, Ginevra.
Is Virginia a girl name?
Yes, Virginia is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ginny, Ginger, Gigi, Virgie.
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