Verne is a boy's name of English origin, derived from the Old French word "ver" which means "green". It is also associated with the color green in English.
The name Verne is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans during their invasion in 1066. However, it was not widely used as a given name until the late Middle Ages.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Verne was French novelist Jules Verne (1828-1905), known for his adventure novels such as "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and "Around the World in Eighty Days". His works have inspired generations of explorers, scientists, and dreamers.
Today, Verne is still a relatively uncommon name but it has gained some popularity in recent years. It is often chosen by parents who appreciate its literary associations or its nature-inspired meaning. Some popular variations of the name include Vern, Vernon, and Verde.
In terms of popularity, Verne does not rank among the most common names in English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there were only 14 newborn boys named Verne in 2020, which placed it at number 3,598 on the list of most popular boy's names that year.
Overall, Verne is a unique and distinctive name with an interesting history and meaning. It may not be as well-known as some other names, but its literary associations and nature-inspired meaning make it a appealing choice for parents looking for something different.
The name Verne has seen a varied trend of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. In the late 19th century, from 1880 to 1899, there was an average of about 20 births per year with the name Verne, peaking at 42 births in 1912.
The first decade of the 20th century saw a steady increase in popularity, with over 30 births per year from 1906 to 1915. The highest point during this period was reached in 1915, with 144 births.
During the Roaring Twenties and early Thirties, Verne maintained its popularity, with an average of about 120 births per year between 1920 and 1932. However, there was a significant drop-off in popularity starting from the mid-Thirties onwards, with fewer than 100 births per year recorded until 1946.
The post-World War II era saw a resurgence in popularity for Verne, with an average of about 75 births per year between 1946 and 1962. However, this trend was not sustained, and the name's popularity declined steadily throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
From the late Sixties to the Eighties, there were fewer than 30 births per year with the name Verne. The lowest point was reached in 1972, with only 8 births recorded that year. The Nineties saw a slight increase in popularity, with an average of about 15 births per year.
In total, over the period from 1880 to 1990, there were 5841 births with the name Verne in the United States. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, Verne remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich history and character.