Onofre

Meaning & origin

Onofre is a masculine given name with Iberian roots, tracing back to the Greek Onouphrios and the 4th-century hermit Saint Onuphrius. In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1918, reflecting early 20th-century immigration patterns from Spanish-speaking countries. Its peak year was 1932, during the height of the Great Depression, but it has remained exceptionally rare, never entering the top 1000 names. The trajectory of Onofre is stable, indicating that it continues to be used occasionally without significant growth or decline. No single state has recorded a notable concentration of the name, and its use is scattered across the country. Despite its obscurity, Onofre carries a rich religious and cultural heritage, linked to desert spirituality and medieval devotion. Today, it stands as a distinctive choice for families honoring tradition or seeking a name with a unique historical resonance.

Onofre derives from the Greek name Onouphrios, itself of uncertain origin. It is traditionally interpreted as 'devotee of the sacred bread' (from Greek onos 'bread' and pherein 'to bear') due to its association with Saint Onuphrius, a 4th-century Egyptian hermit who lived on bread and dates. The name was introduced to Iberia through medieval cults of the saint and has long been used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, though it has never been common.