Anselme – Name Meaning
Anselme is a French name derived from the Latin Anselmus, which means “God has protected”. It is a popular name in France and other French-speaking countries, as well as in the United States. The name Anselme is often associated with strength, courage, and protection.
History of the Name
The name Anselme dates back to the Middle Ages when it was first used as a given name. It was popularized by Saint Anselm of Canterbury, an 11th century theologian and philosopher who was also known as Doctor of the Church. He was renowned for his writings on theology and philosophy, and his works are still studied today. His influence on Christianity was so great that he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Clement XI in 1720.
The popularity of the name Anselme spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and eventually made its way to North America. Today, it is most commonly found in French-speaking countries such as France, Canada, and Haiti.
Popularity
Anselme is not a particularly common name in the United States; however, it does appear on the Social Security Administration’s list of top 1,000 baby names for boys born in 2019. In France, it is much more popular; according to data from INSEE (the French National Institute for Statistics), Anselme ranked #722 out of all baby boy names registered in 2018.
Famous People Named Anselme
There are several famous people who have been given the name Anselme over the years. These include:
- Anselm Kiefer, a German painter and sculptor whose works explore themes such as history, mythology, and religion.
- Anselm Feuerbach, a German painter best known for his classical style portraits.
- Anselm Turmeda, a Spanish poet and philosopher who wrote extensively about religious topics.
Variations of the Name
The name Anselme can be shortened to Anse or Ansley. Other variations include: Ancelmo (Spanish), Ancelin (French), Anshel (Yiddish), and Anslem (English).
