A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Jovita since 1903
Babies named Jovita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 45 |
| 1910s | 150 |
| 1920s | 442 |
| 1930s | 424 |
| 1940s | 324 |
| 1950s | 438 |
| 1960s | 305 |
| 1970s | 374 |
| 1980s | 344 |
| 1990s | 220 |
| 2000s | 128 |
| 2010s | 62 |
| 2020s | 36 |
Meaning & origin
Jovita is a rare Spanish and Latin name with deep historical roots, yet it saw its peak usage in the United States in 1930, when it recorded its highest rank. After declining for decades, the name has been rising slowly since 2017, suggesting a small revival. Despite appearing in top state data for none of the 50 states, its 1-in-229,610 rarity makes it a distinctive choice. The name's ancient association with Jupiter and its saintly legacy give it a weight that contrasts with its current obscurity.
Jovita derives from the Latin name Iovita, a feminine form of Iovitus, itself related to Iovis, a genitive of Jupiter (the Roman sky god). The name was borne by a 2nd-century Christian saint, Saint Jovita, who was martyred with her brother. It was historically used in Spanish-speaking countries, though it has become rare in recent decades.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jovi, Vita
Sibling names for Jovita
Names that share Jovita's style, for a brother or sister.
