Erving is a name of Dutch origin, derived from the place name "Erve," which means "heritance" or "inheritance." The name has been used as both a given name and a surname for centuries.
The earliest known use of the name Erving as a given name was in the Netherlands during the 17th century. It was often used among the Dutch nobility, who would give their children names with historical or geographical significance. Over time, the name spread beyond the Netherlands and became more common throughout Europe.
One notable bearer of the name Erving was Erving Goffin (1882-1946), a Belgian painter known for his landscapes and portraits. Goffin was born into a wealthy family and studied art in Paris before returning to Belgium to pursue his career as an artist.
Today, Erving remains relatively uncommon as a given name, but it continues to be used occasionally throughout Europe and North America. It is often seen among families of Dutch descent or those with a connection to the Netherlands.
In terms of meaning, the name Erving conveys a sense of heritage and tradition. Its origins in the concept of inheritance suggest that it is associated with ideas of continuity and legacy. However, like all names, its ultimate significance will depend on how it is used and interpreted by each individual who bears it.
The name Erving has a interesting history of usage in the United States over the past century. According to the statistics provided, there were 7 births with the name Erving in 1881, which was the first year recorded.
Between 1881 and 1915, the number of births with the name Erving fluctuated between 5 and 20 per year. The highest number of births occurred in 1915, with 20 babies named Erving born that year.
From 1916 to 1934, the number of births with the name Erving decreased significantly, ranging from 19 to 7 births per year. However, there was a brief spike in 1921 with 23 births.
The usage of the name Erving continued to decline throughout the 1940s and 1950s, with an average of around 8 births per year. There were some peaks in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with a high of 14 births in 1957.
From the 1970s onwards, the number of births with the name Erving remained relatively stable, with an average of around 8 births per year. There were some slight fluctuations, such as a peak of 18 births in 1989 and a low of 5 births in 2008.
Overall, over the past century, there have been a total of 940 babies named Erving born in the United States. Despite some variations in usage over time, the name Erving has maintained a consistent presence among American baby names.