Lavern is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. Its meaning is derived from the Old French word "laver" which means "to wash". The name Lavern is believed to have been coined by the French writer Honoré de Balzac, who used it in his novel "Père Goriot".
Throughout history, Lavern has been a rare and uncommon given name. It was not widely used until the mid-20th century when it began to appear occasionally in birth records. Today, Lavern remains a unique and distinctive name that is often associated with French culture and heritage.
Despite its rarity, Lavern has been carried by notable individuals throughout history. One famous bearer of the name was Lavern Baker, an American rhythm and blues singer who was active during the 1950s and 1960s. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence earned her the nickname "Little Miss Soul" and she became a major influence on future generations of musicians.
In literature, Lavern has been used as a character name in several works, including the novel "The Last Tycoon" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The name's unique sound and French origins have made it an appealing choice for authors looking to create distinctive and memorable characters.
Overall, Lavern is a rare and distinctive given name of French origin that has been carried by notable individuals throughout history. Its unique sound and meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a uncommon and memorable name for their child.
The name Lavern has had a fascinating journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. From 1880 to 1963, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Lavern each year, peaking at 54 births in 1912 and reaching an impressive high of 290 births in 1924.
However, from 1964 onwards, we see a steady decline in the popularity of the name Lavern. This trend continues until the late 1970s, with only 13 births recorded in 1978. Despite this decrease, it is interesting to note that the name has not completely disappeared from baby name lists.
In more recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Lavern. From 2000 to 2022, the number of babies named Lavern has ranged from a low of 10 births in 1997 to a high of 32 births in 2023, with an average of approximately 20 births per year during this period.
In total, from 1880 to 2022, there have been 10,172 babies named Lavern born in the United States. This data demonstrates how a name's popularity can fluctuate over time and that even when a name becomes less common, it may still hold significance for some parents choosing a name for their child.