Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Orval is a name of French origin that means 'golden valley'. It has evolved through various historical forms and reflects a rich cultural heritage. While it lacks biblical relevance, it has gained popularity in modern times as a distinctive and traditional name, associated with positive traits. Notable figures with this name include politicians and philanthropists.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɔːr.vəl/
Origin
French
Etymology
The name Orval is derived from the Old French elements 'or' meaning 'gold' and 'val' meaning 'valley', thus suggesting 'golden valley'.
Meaning
golden valley
Language Evolution
Orval, Orvalius, Orvalde
Historical Usage
Orval gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in French-speaking regions and has remained a unique choice for boys.
Variants & Derivatives
Orville, Orv, Val
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Orval is perceived as a traditional and somewhat rare name, often associated with a rustic charm and deep roots in culture.
Famous People
Orval Faubus, an American politician known for his role as Governor of Arkansas, Orval Wright, an American businessman and philanthropist
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 304 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 27 US states, with strongest presence in Oklahoma
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 362nd of 7545 | 4,287 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 553rd of 6773 | 2,111 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1107th of 7552 | 873 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2906th of 10718 | 192 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8362nd of 16616 | 52 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8498th of 9204 | 7 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
15.25% 216th/1416 |
50.33% 694th/1379 |
18.47% 437th/2366 |
27.41% 313th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
23.22% 359th/1546 |
57.65% 897th/1556 |
28.47% 670th/2353 |
37.30% 577th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
36.91% 822nd/2227 |
- |
43.60% 1244th/2853 |
43.93% 1219th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Oklahoma across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 362nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 553rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1107th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2906th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8362nd out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 8498th out of 9204 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.