What does Virginia mean and where does it come from?
The name Virginia is of Latin origin, derived from 'Virginius,' a Roman family name and is often associated with virtue and purity. The name first gained prominence in the early 16th century. Virginia has been widely used in the United States, particularly as a tribute to the state of Virginia, name
Cultural significance
Virginia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of virgin, pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #6 in 1921 — currently #526 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Virginia?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Virginia?
Virginia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Virginia Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Virginia Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Virginia Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Virginia Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Virginia Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Virginia Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Virginia right now?
Declining — down 19 spots — currently #526 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #526 | 572 | ▼ down 19 · -6% births |
| 2024 | #507 | 607 | ▲ up 53 · +13% births |
| 2023 | #560 | 535 | ▼ down 17 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #543 | 569 | ▲ up 1 · +1% births |
| 2021 | #544 | 562 | ▲ up 35 · +12% births |
| 2020 | #579 | 501 | ▼ down 56 · -16% births |
| 2015 | #523 | 598 | ▲ up 76 · +23% births |
| 2010 | #599 | 488 | ▼ down 154 · -28% births |
| 2005 | #445 | 681 | ▼ down 79 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #366 | 811 | ▼ down 59 · -10% births |
| 1995 | #307 | 905 | ▼ down 92 · -32% births |
| 1990 | #215 | 1,335 | ▼ down 20 · -3% births |
| 1985 | #195 | 1,379 | ▼ down 35 · -21% births |
| 1980 | #160 | 1,737 | ▼ down 4 |
| 1975 | #156 | 1,732 | — |
The story of Virginia
Virginia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #6 in 1921, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 652K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #99 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #560 in 2023. Virginia is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Virginia in 1921:
Virginia by decade
Virginia peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,948 | |
| 1890s | 5,875 | |
| 1900s | 14,567 | |
| 1910s | 94,522 | |
| 1920s ★ | 170,035 | |
| 1930s | 103,573 | |
| 1940s | 99,314 | |
| 1950s | 69,956 | |
| 1960s | 35,463 | |
| 1970s | 18,126 | |
| 1980s | 15,078 | |
| 1990s | 9,879 | |
| 2000s | 6,700 | |
| 2010s | 5,521 | |
| 2020s | 1,680 | |
What are good nicknames for Virginia?
ENGLISH
GeenaGenaGinaGingerGinnieGinnyJinnyVirgeeVirgie
What names sound and feel like Virginia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Virginia also consider these
How is Virginia written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Virginia?
Common questions about the name Virginia
What does the name Virginia mean?
Virginia means "virgin, pure" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Virginia?
Virginia is currently ranked #560 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Virginia?
Virginia originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Virginia?
Virginia is a three-syllable name pronounced ver-JINY-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Virginia?
Virginia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.