Orval is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. It is derived from the Gaulish word "aur-", which means "golden". The full form of the name is "Auravelus" or "Auravallus", which translates to "ruler with golden hair".
The name Orval has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was borne by several historical figures, including Saint Orval, who was a martyr in the 4th century and is now considered a patron saint of Luxembourg. He was known for his courage and devotion to Christianity during a time when it was illegal to practice the faith.
The name Orval became more popular during the Middle Ages, particularly in France, where it was often used as a given name or as a surname. It has since been adopted by other cultures and languages, with variations such as Aurélien, Aurelius, and Aurelian found in different parts of Europe.
Today, Orval remains a relatively rare but captivating name choice. Its unique sound and historical significance make it an attractive option for parents looking for a distinctive moniker for their child. Whether you're drawn to its golden hue or its rich history, Orval is a name that stands out from the crowd.
The name Orval has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as indicated by these birth statistics from 1880 to 1995.
In the late 19th century, the name Orval started to gain some traction, with 22 births recorded in 1880. This number fluctuated in the following years, ranging from a low of 6 births in 1882 to a high of 36 births in 1900. However, it was not until the early 20th century that Orval began to see more consistent popularity.
From 1907 onwards, there were consistently more than 50 births per year for the name Orval. The peak years for this name were during World War I, with a significant spike in popularity between 1912 and 1918. In 1914 alone, there were 192 recorded births of the name Orval, marking the highest point in its history.
The interwar period saw a decline in the usage of Orval, but it remained relatively stable with around 200 to 250 births per year between 1919 and 1936. However, from the late 1930s onwards, there was a steady decline in the popularity of this name.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Orval was used infrequently, with fewer than 50 births per year on average. This trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with single-digit numbers of births recorded most years. From 1983 onwards, there were consistently fewer than 10 births of Orval each year.
In total, over the period from 1880 to 1995, there were 7,915 recorded births of the name Orval in the United States. While its popularity has waxed and waned over time, it is clear that this unique name has left a lasting impact on American naming history.
This statistical analysis demonstrates how the name Orval has evolved over more than a century, offering insight into historical trends and patterns in baby naming. Despite fluctuations in popularity, Orval remains a distinctive and enduring name choice.