Victoria

Additional information: The Latin name Victoria is generally considered to be the feminine form of the name Victor. It has the meaning “victory” and has belonged for centuries to powerful women like Queen Victoria and Saint Victoria. Ancient Roman mythology speaks about the Goddess Victoria, the equivalent of the Greek Nike, who was the goddess of victory. Although the name is now used throughout the world, it was not commonly used in English speaking countries until after the famous Queen Victoria was in power in the 1900s.

There are many different variations of the name Victoria in other languages, as it is an older name. In Italian it is Vittoria, in French it is Victoire, in Russia it is Viktoria or Viktoriya, and in some Spanish speaking countries it is changed to Toya or Latoya. Out of the many nicknames, a lot of people use Tori, Tory, Vicky, Vickie, Vikki, Toria, or Vic. Common misspellings include Victorea, Vicktoria, Victoriah, Victorria, and Victorya.

Victoria as a female name has experienced a lot of popularity around the world since it started being used more heavily in the 1900s. A lot of this popular usage is said to be due to the name of Queen Victoria. Since 1880 in the US the lowest it has ever been ranked is #269 in 1936 and the highest is #16 in 1999. In 2014 it was ranked as the 19^th most popular girl name in the US, the 98^th most popular in the UK, the 86^th most popular in Australia, and the 17^th most popular in Canada.

Celebrities that share the name include Victoria Beckham, ex Spice Girls singer and wife of the soccer player David Beckham; Victoria Crawford, WWE wrestler; and Tori Spelling, and American actress.

Victoria is also the name of an Australian state. Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe and Zambia, make up the largest waterfall in the world. The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy in the United Kingdom. A Victoria Sponge is a sponge cake with a jam and cream filling. Victoria's Secret is an American seller of lingerie.