HOME > Roe v Wade Name Origin
Introduction
The name Roe has become synonymous with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v Wade, which established a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. But where did the name come from and what does it mean? In this article, we'll explore the origin of the name Roe and its connection to the historic court case.
The Roe Family
The name Roe is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'ra', which means 'roe deer'. It was a common surname in England and Scotland, and many people with the last name Roe can trace their ancestry back to these countries. One notable family with the surname Roe is the Roe family of Virginia, who were prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Roe v Wade
The name Roe became famous in 1973 when the Supreme Court case Roe v Wade established a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. The case was brought by a woman named Norma McCorvey, who used the pseudonym Jane Roe to protect her identity. McCorvey was pregnant and wanted to have an abortion, but Texas law at the time prohibited abortions except to save the life of the mother. McCorvey argued that this law violated her constitutional right to privacy, and the Supreme Court agreed.
The Legacy of Roe v Wade
Roe v Wade has had a significant impact on abortion rights in the United States. It established that a woman has the right to choose to have an abortion up until the point of viability, which is typically around 24 weeks of pregnancy. It also established that states cannot prohibit abortions in the first trimester of pregnancy, and can only regulate abortions in the second and third trimesters to protect the health of the mother. The decision has been controversial since it was handed down, and continues to be a divisive issue in American politics.
Baby Names
Despite its association with the Supreme Court case, the name Roe has not become a popular baby name. In fact, it is quite rare. According to the Social Security Administration, the name Roe has never ranked in the top 1000 baby names in the United States. However, some parents may choose the name Roe for its connection to the historic court case and its association with women's rights.
Conclusion
The name Roe has a long history as a surname in England and Scotland, and became famous in the United States as the pseudonym used by Norma McCorvey in the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v Wade. While it is not a popular baby name, some parents may choose it for its connection to the case and its association with women's rights.
