Norval is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Norbald" which means "noble and brave." The name has been used historically in Scotland and has been associated with several notable figures throughout history.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Norval was the Scottish poet Thomas the Rhymer, also known as True Thomas, who lived in the 13th century. According to legend, he had the ability to understand the language of birds and was taken away by the Queen of Fairies for seven years.
The name Norval has also been used in literature, most notably in Sir Walter Scott's poem "The Lady of the Lake," where it is the name of one of the characters. Additionally, the Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote a song called "Norval's Farewell" which tells the story of a young man who leaves his home to fight against tyranny.
Despite its historical and literary significance, Norval remains relatively uncommon as a given name today. However, it is still used occasionally in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom. Those who bear this unique name can take pride in its rich history and noble meaning.
Here are some statistical insights regarding the name Norval based on birth records from the United States:
Over time, we observe a significant increase in births with the name Norval up until around the early 1900s, followed by fluctuations and gradual decline. From 1880 to 1923, there were consistently more than 60 births each year, reaching its peak popularity between 1915 and 1927.
During this period of heightened popularity:
* In 1912, Norval was the 14th most popular name for boys.
* From 1913 to 1923, it consistently ranked within the top 100 names each year.
However, from 1928 onwards, there was a steady decline in the number of births with the name Norval:
* By 1974, fewer than ten babies were named Norval annually.
* Between 1981 and present day, the name has remained relatively uncommon.
Despite its popularity during certain periods, Norval remains a distinctive and unique name. It might hold significance for families who have carried this name through generations or who appreciate its rarity today.