Laval is a unique and distinctive French boy's name with a rich history and meaning behind it. It originated from the Gaulish tribe of the Laconii, who were known for their bravery and strength in battle. The name Laval itself means "smooth brow" or "fair haired," which is fitting as many members of the Laconii tribe were said to have had fair hair.
The name Laval has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous was Guy de Laval, a French nobleman who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War against England. He was known for his courage and military prowess, which further cemented the association of the name Laval with bravery and strength.
Another notable figure associated with the name Laval is Saint Lawrence of Rome, also known as Laurence of Rome. He was one of the seven deacons of Rome martyred during the persecution by Emperor Valerian in 258 AD. His feast day is celebrated on August 10th, and he is considered a patron saint for cooks, chefs, and laundry workers.
Today, Laval remains a relatively uncommon name outside of France, but it continues to be valued for its unique sound and rich history. It is often given as a middle name or used in combination with other names to create a distinctive full name. Despite its rarity, the name Laval carries with it a sense of pride and heritage that can be traced back to ancient Gaulish tribes and carried on by notable figures throughout history.
The name Laval has had a consistent but relatively low presence in the United States over the past century. Between 1921 and 2008, there were a total of 204 babies named Laval born in the U.S., with the highest number of births occurring in 1955 (9 births) and 1972 (8 births).
The most popular years for the name Laval were:
* 1955: 9 births
* 1972: 8 births
Conversely, there were several years where only one or two babies named Laval were born:
* 60% of the years had less than 5 births each year.
* Only 5 times did the number of births exceed 7.
The name Laval has not been a highly popular choice in the United States over this period, but it has consistently appeared annually with some fluctuations in popularity. The most recent data available suggests that the name may still be used occasionally, as there were 6 babies named Laval born in the U.S. in 2008.
Despite its limited popularity, the name Laval has a distinct history and presence in the United States over the past century, with each baby bearing this name contributing to the ongoing legacy of the name Laval in America.