Ivor is a male given name of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh word "Yvor," which means "archer." The name is believed to have been brought to Britain by the ancient Celtic tribes who settled there around the time of the Roman Empire. It was likely used as a nickname for someone who excelled in archery or had a keen eye.
The name Ivor has been used throughout history, with one notable bearer being Sir Ivor Thomas, a Welsh politician and judge who served as Lord Justice of Appeal from 1957 to 1968. Another prominent figure was the Welsh poet Ivor Hiscott, who was known for his work in the early 20th century.
Today, Ivor is still used as a given name, particularly in Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom. It is often associated with Welsh culture and heritage, but it can be found among people of various backgrounds and nationalities. Despite its historical roots, Ivor remains a unique and distinctive name that carries a sense of strength and precision, fitting for someone who shares its meaning as an "archer.
The name Ivor experienced significant popularity fluctuations throughout the years, with a peak of 22 births in 1918 and a low of just 5 births in several years including 1896, 1951, 1970, 1971, and 2005. The total number of births registered as Ivor over the period is 840.