Florence
On November 9, 1871, Florence Rena Sabin was born in Colorado. One of the first woman physicists in America, Florence’s accomplishments are extensive and extremely impressive.
Florence was the first woman graduate of Johns Hopkins University, the first woman elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the first woman president of the American Association of Anatomists, and the first woman appointed faculty of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
In other words, Florence was a badass.
The name Florence is a prime example of a strong, feminist name to bestow upon a daughter. In addition to Florence Sabin, powerful namesakes include social reformer Florence Nightingale, journalist and feminist Florence Dixie, and pioneering hospice nurse Florence Wald.
A top name in the US until the early 1900s, Florence then fell off the charts for several decades. We are happy to announce, though, that Florence is coming back — and in a big way.
Florence has a whole lot going for it. It has a sweet, vintage charm, is a sophisticated Italian place name, and has a multitude of adorable nickname options. Flora, Flo, Flossie, Ren — there is something for nearly everyone.
Not to mention Florence Price, a classical composer who was the first African-American woman to have a symphonic work performed by a major orchestra.
My maternal grandmother's name was Florence.