Lavette is a unique and captivating given name of African-American origin. It is believed to have been created by the author Zora Neale Hurston for one of the characters in her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." The name Lavette has gained popularity since its introduction, particularly among African-American families.
The meaning behind the name Lavette is not explicitly stated, but some believe it could be derived from the Latin word 'lavare,' which means 'to wash.' This interpretation suggests that the name may have been chosen for its association with cleanliness or purity. However, without a definitive source, the true origin and meaning of the name remain somewhat shrouded in mystery.
Despite its unclear etymology, Lavette is a charming and distinctive name that has resonated with many parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful moniker for their daughters. It has been used consistently, though not excessively, since its introduction by Hurston, appearing occasionally in baby name records but never becoming mainstream enough to lose its uniqueness.
In terms of history, the name Lavette is closely tied to African-American literature and culture. Zora Neale Hurston was a prominent author during the Harlem Renaissance, an intellectual and cultural movement that thrived in the 1920s and 1930s. Her work often explored themes of race, gender, and identity, which are reflected in her characters' names and stories.
In conclusion, Lavette is an intriguing name with African-American roots, created by a celebrated author for one of her literary creations. While its exact origin and meaning remain unclear, the name carries a certain allure and has been embraced by many families seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughters. Its association with Zora Neale Hurston's work also lends it historical significance within African-American literature and culture.
The name Lavette has been used inconsistently over the years in the United States. Between 1947 and 2016, there were a total of 1185 babies named Lavette.
Interestingly, the popularity of this name seems to have fluctuated quite a bit throughout these decades. It started off with only 7 births in 1947, but then increased significantly, reaching a peak of 67 births in 1967 and 62 births in 1965.
However, after the late 1960s, there was a noticeable decline in the number of babies named Lavette each year. From the 1970s onwards, the numbers remained relatively low, with no more than 38 births recorded annually until the early 2000s.
Since then, the name has become even less common, with only 6 births reported in both 1998 and 2002. In fact, the most recent data available shows that there were only 6 babies named Lavette in 2016 as well.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity over time, it's clear that this name has been used steadily throughout history in America.