Titania

Meaning & origin

Titania is a literary and mythological name that has maintained a quiet, niche presence since its introduction by Shakespeare. First recorded in U.S. data in 1963, it reached its peak popularity in 1972, and as of 2025 it remains extremely rare, with an estimated 1 in 229,610 newborns receiving the name. The name has never been concentrated in any particular state, reflecting its widespread but uncommon use. Its trajectory is stable, suggesting a steady but minimal level of interest, likely driven by parents drawn to its fairy-tale elegance and Shakespearean heritage. While never a mainstream choice, Titania offers a distinctive option that carries literary weight and a lyrical sound, appealing to those who favor names from classical arts and nature.

The name Titania first appears in William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (c. 1595) as the name of the queen of the fairies. Shakespeare likely derived it from Ovid's "Metamorphoses", where the goddess Diana is called Titania, meaning "daughter of the Titans". In Roman mythology, the Titans were the primordial deities, and the feminine suffix -ia creates a name meaning "of the Titans". The name has been used sporadically since the Renaissance, often in literary or theatrical contexts, and gained modest popularity as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.