If you doubt that, I don't blame you at all. You are in the majority. But go with me down a little rabbit trail of sounds for a sec.
Do you like:
Amelia...Aria...Aurelia...Aurora...Julia...Laurel...Rory...Victoria?
That group of names, each in their own way, feels like a jumping off point to loving Gloria. The middle of the name has a sound we're really familiar with, and the -ia ending is pure contemporary perfection. So, I admit it, it's the Gl- beginning that may be throwing us off right now, as other names like Glenda and Gladys have gone by the wayside in favor of less consonant-heavy sounds.
But hang in there with me. And keep repeating Aria, Aurora, Julia, Laurel, Gloria, Rory, and Victoria. See what I did there?
History
It may sound like a name that has been around forever, but Gloria was written into existence by a playwright in the late 1800s. George Bernard Shaw created the name for You Never Can Tell, a comedy of errors that delighted audiences, and Gloria has been with us ever since.
The word gloria is Latin, and it's been around for much longer than the use of the word as a name. In the Christmas tradition, the angels shout, "Glory to God in the highest," and the famed Latin translation is, Gloria in excelsis Deo. This heavenly phrase has lived on in classical music, Christmas carols, prayers, and psalms over centuries.
Gloria has a lovely sound and a not-so-secret meaning—glory. It brings to mind Old Glory, a 19th century flag that became a symbol of patriotism during the civil war, and eventually, a nickname for all American flags. That's just one reason why the name Gloria soared after WWI. (We can also thank starlet Gloria Swanson for keeping this name ultra glamorous through the years.) It became a classic, staying in the top 100s for nearly four more decades.
Two Holidays in One
In my eyes, Gloria feels like it could be seasonal, but unlike almost every other seasonal name, it works in opposite times of the year—July, for its sense of patriotism, and December, for the famous angelic declaration. (Another name with the same July/December seasonal trick? Star.) Even though Gloria could be used for a baby born any time of the year, I think it has a bit of an extra edge for a darling choice in either July or December.
Popularity
Gloria isn't doing so well right now. It's ranked in the mid-500s and is falling in popularity with each year. Statistically, Gloria is likely to continue the downward trend, only returning to fashion over the course of a few more decades. But that doesn't mean it's off-limits, of course.
Today, Gloria feels like a vintage throwback name that is half elegant, half cute as a button, but it isn’t quite ready for a return to its former (ahem) glory. That being said, I give you permission to be ahead of the curve and choose Gloria now for its surprisingly contemporary style and charming associations.
Spinoffs and Creative Nicknames
Some parents are getting creative with this name, inventing a few modern spin-offs:
- Glory
- Gloriana (also a country music band) or Glorianna
- Glorianne
- Glorious
Less-than-expected nicknames for Gloria:
- Glory
- Lori
- Loria
- Ria
This list kind of makes a point, generationally. It's hard to find a young Gloria these days!
- Gloria Estefan, singer
- Gloria Gaynor, singer
- Gloria Steinem, feminist and activist
- Gloria Swanson, actress
Actors Peter Sarsgaard and Maggie Gyllenhaal named their daughter Gloria Ray in 2012. Hooray!
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