The name Deltina appeared in the U.S. baby name data for one year only, in the mid-1950s:
- 1958: unlisted
- 1957: unlisted
- 1956: 6 baby girls named Deltina [debut]
- 1955: unlisted
- 1954: unlisted
Why?
My guess is a sad news story.
On March 24, 1956, 7-year-old Deltina “Tina” Norval of Nashville, Tennessee, got too close to a burning trash pile. A spark from the flame landed on her dress, the dress caught fire, and she received third-degree burns to over 65% of her body.
She had two major skin graft operations — one with the help of a donor, Pfc. Gene E. McDonald of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Ultimately, neither operation was successful. Deltina passed away on May 12.
Deltina…was happily munching a cherry popsicle seconds before her death. She had craved the treat for days. She looked at a friend, Mrs. Mary Summers, who had brought her the popsicle, and said: “I feel so funny. Something is happening.” She closed her eyes and died.
Newspapers nationwide covered the story, but Nashville newspaper The Tennessean followed Deltina’s seven-week ordeal particularly closely.
It looks like her name was inspired by the middle name of her late father, William Delton Norval, who had drowned while swimming less than a year earlier.
What are your thoughts on the baby name Deltina?
Sources:
- “Burned Child’s Recovery Hope Will Not Be Known For 4 Days.” Kentucky New Era 17 Apr. 1956: 1.
- “Plucky Little Girl Loses Fight Of Life.” Lubbock Morning Avalanche 14 May 1956: 8.
- FamilySearch.org
- SSA
Image: Clipping from the Lindsay Daily Post (20 Apr. 1956)