Everard is a unique and distinguished given name of Germanic origin. It is composed of two elements: "Eber," which means "boar," and "-hard," meaning "strong" or "brave." Therefore, the name Everard translates to "strong as a boar" or "brave as a boar."
The name Everard has been used in various forms throughout history. In Old English, it was recorded as Eoforheard, which evolved into Evard in Norman French during the Middle Ages. Over time, the name became more anglicized and eventually took on its current form.
Everard is a rare name that has not achieved widespread popularity, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Despite its rarity, there are historical figures who bore this name, such as Everard Digby, one of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators in 17th-century England.
In literature, Everard is also featured in works like "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins and "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien. These appearances may contribute to the name's intrigue and appeal for some parents.
Overall, Everard is a unique and historic given name with a strong meaning that sets it apart from more common names. Its Germanic roots and rare usage make it an excellent choice for those seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Everard has seen a varied pattern of usage in the United States over the years, with peaks and valleys in its popularity. The highest number of babies named Everard was recorded in 1920, with 15 births that year. This peak was followed by a decline, with only 8 births in 1922, but the name's usage remained relatively consistent throughout the early to mid-20th century, hovering around 5 to 8 births per year.
Interestingly, there were two periods of resurgence for the name Everard. The first occurred during World War II, with an increase in popularity between 1944 and 1947, which could potentially be attributed to a desire to honor those serving in the war or as a result of trends influenced by popular culture at the time. The second resurgence happened in the late 1960s to early 1970s, with peaks in 1965 and 1975.
However, overall, the name Everard has not been particularly common in the United States. Since 1988, there have only been five births per year on average. This can be seen as an opportunity for parents looking to give their child a unique and distinctive name with historical roots. In total, there have been 250 babies named Everard born in the United States since 1912.
These statistics demonstrate how names can wax and wane in popularity over time, influenced by various factors such as cultural trends, historical events, and personal preferences. Despite its fluctuating usage, the name Everard has maintained a steady, if small, presence throughout the years in the United States.