Meaning, origin, history
Verity is a unique and uncommon given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "vertu," which means "virtue." In turn, this word is derived from the Old French word "vertut," meaning "moral excellence" or "goodness."
The name Verity was likely used as a virtue name during the Middle Ages in England, when such names were popular. Virtue names were given to children with the hope that they would grow up to embody the qualities represented by their names.
One of the earliest known records of the name Verity is from the 14th century, when it was used as a woman's name in English literature. However, it did not become particularly common until the late 20th century, when it began to be used more frequently in England and other English-speaking countries.
Despite its recent rise in popularity, Verity remains a relatively rare name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never ranked among the top 1,000 most popular names for girls in the United States. This makes it a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon but meaningful name for their daughter.
In summary, Verity is a beautiful and unique English given name with a historic pedigree dating back to the Middle Ages. With its lovely sound and positive meaning, it's easy to see why this name has seen increased use in recent years despite remaining relatively rare overall.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Verity since 1880
Total births
1,594
Total since 1880
Peak year
2020
129 births
in 2023
117
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+115%
↗
vs previous 5 years