Dido

What does the baby name Dido mean? Learn about what Dido means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Dido - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Dido: D-I-D-O, is a 4-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Dido: DIE-do; DEE do
Meaning of Dido: Wanderer, unclear, virgin.
Origin of Dido: The name 'Dido' is believed to have originated from ancient Phoenicia, a civilization that thrived in the Mediterranean region around 1200 BCE. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to the Phoenician princess Elissa, who was also known as 'Dido'. Elissa/ 'Dido' was the founder and first queen of Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa. The name 'Dido' has since become closely associated with this legendary figure.; Celebrity Names; Greek Names; Literary Names; Mythological Names; Phoenician Names; Roman Names
Popularity of Dido: While 'Dido' may not be as common a name as some others, it has experienced notable spikes in popularity throughout history. One such spike occurred in the late 17th century, when the English poet John Dryden wrote an epic poem called 'The Aeneid', in which he portrayed 'Dido' as a tragic and romantic figure. This poem brought renewed attention to the name and led to its increased usage during that time.; Dido currently has 28 likes, and is in the top 9% of liked girl's names. The name Tenille is slightly more popular than Dido.

Etymology of Dido

The etymology of the name 'Dido' is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have Phoenician origins. Some scholars suggest that it may be derived from the Phoenician word 'dod', which means 'beloved' or 'darling'. This interpretation aligns with the affectionate and endearing nature often associated with the name 'Dido'.

Cultural Significance of Dido

The name 'Dido' holds significant cultural importance in various contexts. In ancient mythology, 'Dido' is renowned for her role in the founding of Carthage and her tragic love affair with Aeneas, the hero of Virgil 's epic poem 'The Aeneid'. 'Dido 's story has been retold and reimagined in countless works of literature, music, and art, making her a symbol of love, passion, and resilience.