Vernon is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years. The name Vernon comes from the Anglo-Norman word "Verne," which means "alder tree." In some cases, Vernon may also be derived from the surname Vernon, which was originally an Old French place name meaning "from the alder forest."
The name Vernon has a long history of use, with its earliest recorded usage dating back to the Middle Ages. During this time, Vernon was primarily used as a surname, with many families adopting it as their last name due to their association with the town of Vernon in Normandy, France.
Over time, the name Vernon began to be used as a given name as well. In England, Vernon was particularly popular during the Victorian era, when it was often given to boys born into wealthy or aristocratic families. Today, Vernon is still used as both a boy's and girl's name, although it remains more common for males.
There are several notable figures throughout history who have borne the name Vernon. These include American writer Sarah Bernhardt, French painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and English explorer Henry Morton Stanley. Despite its historical significance and associations with famous individuals, however, Vernon is not considered to be a particularly popular or trendy name today.
Overall, the name Vernon has a unique and interesting history that spans centuries and crosses cultural boundaries. Whether used as a given name or surname, Vernon carries with it a sense of tradition and heritage that makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet timeless moniker for their child.
The name Vernon has a rich history in the United States, with its first recorded birth occurring in 1881. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was consistent but fluctuating popularity of the name Vernon.
During this period, the highest number of births recorded in any single year was 64 in 1922. This peak is followed by a decline to as low as 7 births recorded in 1911 and again in 1964. The name's popularity seems to have been influenced by various factors over time, such as trends and cultural shifts.
After the mid-20th century, there was another surge in the number of Vernon births, reaching a high of 12 in 1982. Since then, the popularity has continued at varying levels, with the most recent data from 1987 showing 6 births that year.
In total, over the years 1881 to 1987, there were 1976 recorded births of the name Vernon in the United States. This demonstrates a consistent presence and enduring appeal of this name throughout history.