Refugia
Primarily a girl's name of Spanish origin with 1,289 recorded births. Also given to 5 boys.
Meaning & Origin
plural of refugium
Refugia is a girl's and boy's baby name of Spanish origin, from the Spanish refugio meaning 'refuge, shelter' — honoring Our Lady of Refuge, a Marian title celebrating the Virgin Mary as a refuge for sinners and a source of divine protection.
Refugia carries profound Catholic Marian devotion, particularly in Mexican and Tejano communities where the title Nuestra Señora del Refugio has been venerated for centuries. The name speaks to the seeking of divine shelter and the warmth of maternal protection.
EtymologyShow more
Refugia is cataloged under the Spanish naming tradition. Spanish names often flow through Latin and Visigothic roots, shaped by centuries of Catholic tradition and Iberian culture.
In the U.S., Refugia has been recorded as a girl's name since 1883, with 1,289 total births. Browse the Spanish names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Refugia has 76+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1883.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 | #12740 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 26 | #8198 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 51 | #5458 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 107 | #4364 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 162 | #2463 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 254 | #1571 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 338 | #1407 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 211 | #1495 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 102 | #1314 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 21 | #1351 | ▲ |
| 1880s | 12 | #1024 | — |
The Story of Refugia
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1923, Refugia is a name steeped in history. Girls named Refugia are most likely born between 1913 and 1933.
How rare is Refugia?
With 1,289 total births on record, Refugia remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1883, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 338 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Refugia by the numbers
- Would fill 27 school buses
- Meeting one Refugia per day would take 3.5 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(76 years, 1883–1987)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 5 | #12740 |
| 1977 | 5 | #10829 |
| 1975 | 7 | #7753 |
| 1971 | 8 | #6452 |
| 1970 | 6 | #7758 |
| 1968 | 6 | #6813 |
| 1964 | 12 | #4048 |
| 1963 | 11 | #4209 |
| 1962 | 6 | #6404 |
| 1961 | 11 | #4178 |
| 1960 | 5 | #7093 |
| 1959 | 5 | #7001 |
| 1958 | 9 | #4434 |
| 1957 | 5 | #6825 |
| 1956 | 8 | #4746 |
| 1955 | 7 | #5093 |
| 1954 | 18 | #2679 |
| 1953 | 14 | #3066 |
| 1952 | 21 | #2315 |
| 1951 | 8 | #4295 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Refugia as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Refugia has also been given to 5 boys in the U.S. since 1926.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Refugia a boy's or girl's name?
When was Refugia most popular?
How popular is the name Refugia?
Can Refugia be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1883–1987