What does veronica mean?
Veronica is best known today as a feminine given name common throughout the English-speaking world. It is traditionally associated with Saint Veronica, remembered in Christian tradition for holding a cloth bearing the image of Jesus. The word also has an established botanical use: a veronica is a member of the genus Veronica, a large group of plants commonly known as speedwells. These plants have blue, purple, pink, or white flowers and include familiar species such as Veronica chamaedrys, often called bird's-eye speedwell. In ordinary writing, Veronica is capitalized when it names a person but lowercase when used as the common name for a plant; the genus name is always capitalized. The word's combination of personal-name and botanical meanings gives it an unusual range, distinguishing it from both unrelated given names and ordinary flowering plants.
A feminine given name, traditionally associated with Saint Veronica.
"Veronica received the award on behalf of her team."
Capitalized when used as a personal name.
A plant belonging to the genus Veronica, commonly called a speedwell.
"A patch of veronica brightened the edge of the pond."
Normally lowercase in the general botanical sense; the taxonomic genus name is capitalized and usually italicized.
The plural is chiefly used for plants; personal names are usually not counted, though Veronicas can refer collectively to people sharing that name.
"Several blue veronicas grew between the paving stones."
Veronica straddles two familiar worlds: it is a widely used given name and the name of a genus of delicate speedwell flowers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of veronica
The English given name Veronica comes through Latin and is generally understood as a Latinized form of Greek Berenikē, represented in English by Berenice and Bernice. The botanical name was transmitted through medieval Latin and was traditionally associated with Saint Veronica, whose attribute is the cloth or veil connected with her in Christian tradition. These etymological connections explain why a name, a saint, and a genus of speedwells share the same form.
How veronica is actually used
As a personal name, Veronica is capitalized. The common noun referring to the plant is normally lowercase, while the taxonomic genus name Veronica is capitalized and usually italicized.
Easily confused with veronica
Veronika is a common variant spelling of the feminine given name Veronica, especially in continental European languages.