The Meaning of the Name Blanche
Blanche is a French name that means “white” or “fair.” It is derived from the Latin word “blancus,” which means “white.” The name has been used in France since at least the 12th century and was popularized by the French royal family in the 16th century. It has also been used in other countries, including England, Germany, and Spain.
History of the Name Blanche
The name Blanche first appeared in France during the Middle Ages. It was popularized by the French royal family in the 16th century when King Henry II married Catherine de Medici, who was known as Blanche de Valois. The name became even more popular after Queen Marie Antoinette gave it to her daughter, Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, who was known as Madame Royale.
In England, Blanche was used as a given name for both men and women during the Middle Ages. It was also used as a surname in some cases. In Germany, it was used as a given name for women during the 19th century. In Spain, it has been used since at least the 15th century.
Popularity of the Name Blanche
The name Blanche has remained popular throughout Europe over the centuries. In France, it is still one of the top 100 most popular names for girls. In England, it is not as common but still ranks among the top 500 names for girls. In Germany, it is not as popular but still ranks among the top 1000 names for girls.
In recent years, Blanche has become increasingly popular in other parts of the world as well. It is now commonly used in Australia, Canada, and the United States. In fact, it ranked among the top 1000 names for girls in all three countries in 2020.
Famous People Named Blanche
There have been many famous people with the name Blanche throughout history. Some notable examples include:
- Blanche of Castile (1188-1252): Queen consort of France from 1223 to 1226.
- Blanche of Navarre (1424-1464): Queen consort of Aragon from 1458 to 1464.
- Blanche d’Albret (1472-1517): Queen consort of Navarre from 1517 to 1555.
- Blanche de Bourbon (1519-1561): Queen consort of Navarre from 1555 to 1561.
In modern times, there are many famous people with this name as well. Some notable examples include:
- Blanche Dubois (1867-1941): American actress best known for her role in A Streetcar Named Desire.
- Blanche Lincoln (1960-present): American politician who served as a U.S Senator from Arkansas from 1999 to 2011.
- Blanche Baker (1959-present): American actress best known for her roles in Sixteen Candles and Holocaust.