Verona is a unique and beautiful name of Italian origin. It comes from the city of Verona in northern Italy, which was founded by the ancient Romans in 49 BC. The city is famous for being the setting of Shakespeare's tragic love story "Romeo and Juliet," although there is no historical evidence that the tale is based on true events.
The name Verona has a long history beyond its literary associations. It was used as a given name among medieval Italian nobility, often as a feminine form of Veranus or Vere(n)dus, which were popular male names during the Middle Ages. These names derive from the Latin word "ver" meaning "true," and the suffix "-anus" or "-endus," indicating association with or belonging to something.
Over time, Verona evolved as an independent given name, favored by families who wished to honor their Italian heritage or simply liked its distinctive sound. Today, it is still predominantly used in Italy but has gained some popularity worldwide due to its romantic associations and unique charm.
In terms of meaning, Verona carries the same etymology as its male counterparts Veranus and Vere(n)dus: "true" or "genuine." Thus, someone named Verona might be seen as representing sincerity, authenticity, or even a deep sense of devotion – qualities that would not seem out of place in a city renowned for its romantic legacy.
Overall, the name Verona is an exquisite choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive and meaningful moniker with a rich history and strong connection to Italy.
Based on the provided statistics, the name "Verona" has seen a varied level of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. The earliest records show that there were 5 births with the name Verona in both 1880 and 1881.
However, it was not until the late 19th to early 20th century that the name began to gain traction. Between 1893 and 1904, the number of babies named Verona ranged from a low of 6 births in 1891 to a high of 23 births in 1901.
The peak popularity of the name came around World War I, with over 90 births each year between 1912 and 1915. The highest recorded number of babies named Verona was in 1914, with 94 births.
After World War I, the popularity of the name declined steadily. By the mid-20th century, fewer than 30 babies were being named Verona each year. This trend continued into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with some years seeing only single-digit numbers of babies named Verona.
However, there has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of the name. After bottoming out at just 5 births in 2000, the number of babies named Verona has increased steadily since then. Between 2010 and 2023, the number of babies named Verona ranged from a low of 14 births in 2020 to a high of 36 births in 2017.
In total, over the period covered by these statistics (1880-2023), there have been 4,270 babies born in the United States named Verona. This demonstrates that while the name has not always been popular, it has maintained a consistent presence in the US naming landscape over time.