The name Mauricio, a strong and sophisticated choice for a baby boy, boasts a rich history and a growing presence in modern society. This article delves into the meaning, origin, popularity trends, and similar names associated with Mauricio, providing a comprehensive overview for parents considering this moniker.
Meaning and Origin
Mauricio derives from the Latin name Mauritius, meaning "dark-skinned" or "Moorish." It evokes images of strength and resilience, historically associated with individuals from the Roman province of Mauretania in Northwest Africa. The name carries a certain exoticism and a sense of worldly sophistication.
Mauricio Name Popularity
How popular is the name Mauricio? Let’s explore its historical trajectory in the United States. While the name’s presence was minimal in the early 20th century, data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) reveals an interesting pattern.
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Early 20th Century (1910-1960): The name "Mauricio" was relatively obscure, with sporadic appearances in the SSA data. From 1910 to 1913, the name didn’t appear. Years like 1914 showed only 6 births with the name, ranking at 1,109. Through this period, the name remained uncommon, with several years registering zero births.
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Mid-20th Century Rise (1960-2000): The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a gradual increase in popularity. By the 1960s, the name began to climb the ranks, with 37 births in 1960 ranking at 867. The name gained further traction throughout the 1970s and 1980s, breaking into the top 600s. The 1990s marked a period of solid growth, with the name consistently appearing in the top 500s.
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21st Century Surge (2000-Present): The 21st century has seen a significant surge in the name’s popularity. In 2001, the name reached an impressive rank of 356, with 714 births. The name peaked in the mid-2000s, maintaining a strong presence in the top 400s. In 2008 the name saw 792 births ranking at 371. While it has experienced some fluctuations in recent years, Mauricio remains a popular and stylish choice, holding a rank of 686 in 2023 with 347 births.
Geographical Distribution
Examining the geographical distribution of the name reveals concentrations in certain regions. While the name enjoys nationwide appeal, data suggests higher usage in states with significant Hispanic or Latino populations, reflecting the name’s cultural resonance. For example, a small chart from the District of Columbia in the source data showed that there were 5 births in 1914 with the name, and 7 in 1917.
Names Like Mauricio
For parents seeking alternatives or variations of Mauricio, several names offer similar sounds and styles:
- Marcio: A French name meaning "borderland" or "frontier."
- Maurizio: An Italian variation directly linked to the Latin Mauritius.
- Marco: An Italian name meaning "warlike," sharing a similar sound.
- Mariano: A Spanish name meaning "manly."
- Marino: A Latin name meaning "of the sea."
- Mario: An Italian name meaning "manly."
- Mauro: A Latin name sharing the "dark-skinned" or "Moorish" meaning.
- Maureo, Maurids, Maurie, Maurin, Maurio, Maurise, Mauritius, Maurits, Mauritz, Maurycy, Melicio These names are similar in sound and meaning to Mauricio.
Conclusion
Mauricio is a name with a compelling blend of history, meaning, and contemporary appeal. Its roots in ancient Rome, coupled with its rise in popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, make it a timeless choice for parents seeking a name that is both strong and sophisticated. The availability of similar-sounding names offers options for those seeking a slight variation while retaining the essence of Mauricio.