"pure, maiden"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Virginia
Pronunciation: [ v-erj-IHNY-uh ]
Girl Name
#510 Most Popular
Rising
4 Syllables
A name that spans colonies, classics, and consciousness
Latin
American
Italian
Spanish
Classic
Vintage
Elegant
Literary
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
Things to Know About This Name
- The state name association means the child may hear 'like the state?' constantly
- Ginny as a nickname overlaps with Ginny Weasley from Harry Potter, which is widely beloved but inescapable
The Story of Virginia
Virginia derives from the Latin 'Virginius,' a Roman family name, itself rooted in 'virgo' meaning maiden or virgin. It was used in ancient Rome and was revived during the Renaissance. Queen Elizabeth I of England, the 'Virgin Queen,' lent the name to the American colony of Virginia in 1584 — giving it both geographic and literary resonance.
Virginia is experiencing a revival as parents return to grand, underused early-20th-century names. Its association with the writer Virginia Woolf makes it a darling of literary-minded parents.
Virginia Woolf transformed 20th-century literature; the state of Virginia holds enormous American historical significance; together these associations give the name unusual depth.
Fun Facts
- Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) is one of the most influential modernist writers in the English language.
- Virginia was the first state to ratify the US Bill of Rights.
- Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus — from the famous 1897 newspaper editorial, one of the most reprinted in history.
Virginia in Other Languages
Latin
Virginia
French
Virginie
Italian
Virginia
Spanish
Virginia
Famous People Named Virginia
V
Virginia Madsen
Actor
1961
American actress nominated for an Academy Award for Sideways (2004)
V
Virginia Apgar
Scientist
1909
American obstetric anesthesiologist who created the Apgar Score for newborns
V
Virginia Woolf
Writer
1882
British modernist author of Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #510
- Total SSA Count
- 601
- Cultural Origins
- Latin American Italian Spanish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Ginny
Ginger
Virgie
Vee
Pairs Well With
Virginia Rose
Virginia Mae
Virginia Claire
Virginia Jane
Virginia Elizabeth
Virginia Louise
Virginia Frances
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Virginia is also used as a boy name, ranked #19902.
View Virginia as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia
What does the name Virginia mean?
"pure, maiden" (from Latin). Virginia derives from the Latin 'Virginius,' a Roman family name, itself rooted in 'virgo' meaning maiden or virgin. It was used in ancient Rome and was revived during the Renaissance. Queen Elizabeth I of England, the 'Virgin Queen,' lent the name to the American colony of Virginia in 1584 — giving it both geographic and literary resonance.
What is the origin of the name Virginia?
Virginia has Latin, American, Italian, and Spanish origins. In Latin, it means "pure, maiden".
Is Virginia a boy or girl name?
Virginia is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #510. As a boy name, it is ranked #19902. Virginia is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Virginia?
Virginia is pronounced v-erj-IHNY-uh.
How popular is the name Virginia?
Virginia is currently ranked #510 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Virginia?
Common nicknames for Virginia include Ginny, Ginger, Virgie, and Vee.
What are good middle names for Virginia?
Popular middle name pairings include Virginia Rose, Virginia Mae, Virginia Claire, Virginia Jane, Virginia Elizabeth, Virginia Louise, and Virginia Frances.
What are good sibling names for Virginia?
Names that pair well with Virginia as siblings include Fitzgerald, Theodore, Edmund, Beatrice, Cordelia, Adelaide, and Clement.
How many syllables does Virginia have?
Virginia has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Virginia a common or rare name?
Virginia is moderately common, ranked #510 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Virginia
Virginia is a girl name with Latin, American, Italian, and Spanish origins . The name means "pure, maiden" in Latin .
Is Virginia a boy or girl name? Virginia is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #510 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,902. Virginia is more commonly used as a girl name.
Virginia is currently ranked #510 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Virginia has 4 syllables and is pronounced v-erj-IHNY-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Virginia include Ginny, Ginger, Virgie, and Vee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.