Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Vernon originates from the Old French place name derived from the Gaulish word for 'alder tree'. It has evolved through historical forms like Verne and has been used since the Norman Conquest. The name means 'alder tree' and has no direct biblical relevance. While it may seem vintage, it remains in use today, with notable individuals carrying the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈvɜrnən/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Vernon is derived from the Old French place name 'Vernon', which itself comes from the Gaulish word 'verna', meaning 'alder tree'.
Meaning
alder tree
Language Evolution
Verne, Vernon
Historical Usage
The name Vernon gained popularity in England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century and has been used as both a surname and given name since then.
Variants & Derivatives
Verne, Vern, Vernie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Vernon is perceived as a classic and somewhat vintage name, often associated with older generations but still used today.
Famous People
Vernon Dursley, Vernon Kay, Vernon Reid
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,199 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 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 | 70th of 7545 | 42,747 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 97th of 6773 | 39,704 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 152nd of 7552 | 36,614 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 244th of 10718 | 14,425 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 456th of 16616 | 6,843 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1050th of 24088 | 2,595 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1547th of 23106 | 1,327 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1037th of 9107 | 891 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1567th of 9204 | 463 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2719th of 12526 | 334 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5836th of 19264 | 135 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 16163rd of 27321 | 33 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
3.60% 51st/1416 |
9.50% 131st/1379 |
2.79% 66th/2366 |
4.90% 56th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
5.11% 79th/1546 |
9.58% 149th/1556 |
3.53% 83rd/2353 |
6.14% 95th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
6.96% 155th/2227 |
8.02% 195th/2430 |
4.66% 133rd/2853 |
5.87% 163rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
8.21% 241st/2937 |
8.18% 285th/3483 |
5.97% 210th/3518 |
7.20% 291st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
12.02% 443rd/3685 |
10.06% 450th/4475 |
7.41% 385th/5194 |
8.77% 554th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
20.65% 946th/4582 |
21.82% 1127th/5164 |
13.02% 952nd/7313 |
20.64% 1540th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
29.02% 1156th/3984 |
40.49% 1817th/4487 |
26.25% 1791st/6822 |
33.51% 2103rd/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
85.03% 1204th/1416 |
- |
36.35% 860th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
62.60% 1473rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
80.13% 2286th/2853 |
- |
| 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 North Dakota 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 gaining 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 too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 70th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 97th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 152nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 244th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 456th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1050th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1547th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1037th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1567th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2719th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5836th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16163rd out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.