Meaning: Its source is a Latin expression meaning "Victory."

Nickname For: Victoria

Narrative: Victoria was a goddess who smiled on the ancient Roman people for many centuries. Early Christians adopted the name, perhaps in reference to St. Paul's praise of ''God, which giveth us the victory.''

Seventeenth-century Puritans set the trend of using Victoria's English translation, Victory, as the preferred form of the name. Then in 1837 a German princess was crowned Victoria, Queen of the British. Reigning until 1901, she dominated and named the 19th century, creating an archetype of formality and moral prudishness summed up in a single word -- Victorian.

Perhaps because of their awe for this dominating queen, English speakers did not use this name widely until the mid-20th century. At that time, Victoria was escorted up the popularity lists by her male counterpart, Victor.