Dympna – Name Meaning
The name Dympna is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Damhnait, which means “fawn”. It is a unisex name, but it is more commonly used as a girl’s name. The name Dympna has been popular in Ireland since the Middle Ages and is still widely used today.
The story of Saint Dympna dates back to the 7th century. She was an Irish princess who fled her home after her father tried to force her into marriage with a much older man. She eventually found refuge in Belgium, where she became a nun and devoted her life to helping the poor and sick. She was later martyred for her faith and is now venerated as the patron saint of mental illness.
Symbolism
The name Dympna symbolizes innocence, purity, and strength. It also carries connotations of courage and resilience, as Saint Dympna showed great courage in standing up to her father and fleeing her home in order to follow her faith. The name also carries associations with nature, as it comes from the Gaelic word for “fawn”.
Popularity
The name Dympna has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few decades. In 2020, it ranked at #1,845 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States. It is also popular in other countries such as Ireland, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Variations
Common variations of the name Dympna include Dymphna, Dimphne, Dimpne, Dimphina, Dimpha, Dimpnay, Dympha, and Dymfne. Nicknames for Dympna include Dymmy or Dymps.
