Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Virginia
GirlLatin· “from the Roman name Verginius”
- Meaning
- from the Roman name Verginius
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- vur-JIHN-yuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #526
- US babies 2025
- 572
- Best rank
- #6 (1921)
- Peak year
- 1922
Meaning and origin of Virginia
Virginia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “from the Roman name Verginius”.
Virginia comes from Verginius, the name of a Roman family, and it has long been associated with the Latin virgo, "maiden", though the family name may have a different origin. The English colony, and later the American state, of Virginia was named in honor of Elizabeth I, known as the Virgin Queen. Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas, was named after the colony. The novelist Virginia Woolf is a famous later bearer. The name feels elegant, Southern and a little old-fashioned. Ginny and Ginger are traditional nicknames, and Gina is another option.
Popularity over time
Virginia has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #6 in 1921, and the most babies received it in 1922, when 19,144 were named Virginia. In 2025, 572 babies were named Virginia, and it ranked #526 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #7 in 1920, #43 in 1950, #160 in 1980, #366 in 2000, #599 in 2010, and #526 in 2025. Of the 652,959 US girls named Virginia since records began, 26% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 103,089 babies. Since 2010, 8,900 more have been named Virginia.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Evelyn, Alice, Marjorie, Irene, and Margaret.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Virginia ranked highest in Virginia, Maine, and South Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | #136 | 56 |
| Maine | #206 | 6 |
| South Carolina | #243 | 21 |
| Alabama | #244 | 20 |
| Tennessee | #261 | 30 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Virginia is usually pronounced vur-JIHN-yuh, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with V and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Virginia
A few middle names that flow with Virginia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Virginia
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Lists that include Virginia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Virginia mean?
Virginia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “from the Roman name Verginius”.
What is the origin of the name Virginia?
Virginia has Latin roots. Virginia comes from Verginius, the name of a Roman family, and it has long been associated with the Latin virgo, "maiden", though the family name may have a different origin.
Is Virginia a popular name?
Yes. Virginia ranked #526 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Virginia a boy or girl name?
Virginia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Virginia?
Virginia is usually pronounced vur-JIHN-yuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings