Declining since 2014.
Popularity of Ondine since 1961
Babies named Ondine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 20 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 93 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Ondine is a rare literary name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1961. Its trend can be characterized as falling, as usage has declined since a peak year in 2013, when it saw its highest recorded frequency. The name remains uncommon, not ranking in the top 1000 names for any year. It has not been associated with any particular state or region. Ondine's appeal lies in its ethereal sound and literary pedigree, drawing from the water nymph mythology popularized in 19th-century romantic literature. Despite its rarity, the name has a distinct and melodious quality that has attracted some parents seeking a unique alternative to more common water-related names like Marina or Morgan.
Ondine was coined by the Swiss author Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué for his 1811 novella 'Undine', which tells the story of a water nymph who gains a soul by marrying a mortal. The name derives from the Latin 'unda' meaning 'wave'. The spelling 'Ondine' is a French variant that appeared in later adaptations. The name has seen sporadic use in English-speaking countries, particularly in the mid-20th century.
“Ondine” around the world
Where Ondine lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ondi, Dina, Nina
Variants: Undine
Sibling names for Ondine
Names that share Ondine's style, for a brother or sister.
