The name Devereaux is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "de", meaning "of" or "from", and "Vera Cruz", which translates to "true cross". Therefore, the name Devereaux means "from the true cross". The name was brought to England by the Normans during the 11th century conquest of England, but it is not particularly common in English-speaking countries today.
The name Devereaux is often associated with the famous Devereux family, who were barons and earls of Essex in medieval England. However, the name has also been used as a given name, although its use as such appears to be relatively recent.
In literature, the name Devereaux has been used by several authors, including James Fenimore Cooper in his novel "The Last of the Mohicans" and Edith Wharton in her short story collection "The Age of Innocence". This suggests that the name may have a certain cachet or timelessness that appeals to writers.
Overall, while not particularly common today, the name Devereaux has an interesting history and meaning that sets it apart from other names. Its French origins and association with the prominent Devereux family give it a certain elegance and distinction, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a unique and meaningful name.
The statistics show that the number of babies named Devereaux has varied over time in the United States. The highest number of births recorded was in the year 2023 with 18 newborns, while the lowest was in 1952 with only 5 births. There were several years where there were more than 10 births each: 14 in 1994 and 2016, 10 in 2014, and 15 in 2021.
Overall, between the years of 1952 and 2023, there were a total of 184 babies named Devereaux born in the United States. This shows that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence over several decades.
It's interesting to note that the popularity of the name seems to fluctuate in cycles rather than following a linear trend. For example, there was an increase from 5 births in 1992 to 14 in 1994, followed by a decrease back down to 6 in 1998. Similarly, there was another peak in 2014 with 10 births, but then it decreased again before reaching the current high of 18 births in 2023.
These statistics can provide insights into trends and patterns in baby naming over time, and they also show that even less common names like Devereaux have their own unique histories.