"pure, maiden"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Virginia
Pronunciation: [ v-erj-IHNY-uh ]
Does Virginia flow with your last name?
A name that spans colonies, classics, and consciousness
Latin
American
Italian
Spanish
Classic
Vintage
Elegant
Literary
Sophisticated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
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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.
Historical Record
Virginia first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 163,059 babies have been named Virginia in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Virginia is past its peak , currently ranked #510 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#510
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
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Compare Virginia with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Virginia
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Virginia
Phonetic neighbors that share Virginia's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Virginia is also used as a boy name, ranked #19902.
View Virginia as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Latin)
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"gold"
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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.
Browse all middle names, sibling names, or similar names.
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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis