Laverna is a unique and distinctive female given name of Latin origin. The name is derived from the Latin word "laver" which means "to wash." Laverna was also the goddess of thieves in Roman mythology, often depicted as washing stolen goods to conceal their origins.
The name Laverna has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. It is believed that the name originated from an Etruscan deity named Lartes, who was later identified with the Roman goddess Venus. The name Laverna may have been used to honor this goddess or as a reference to her role in cleansing and purifying stolen goods.
In medieval times, Laverna became associated with Saint Lawrence, also known as Laurence of Rome, who was martyred for his faith in 258 AD. According to legend, Lawrence was tortured on a gridiron and his flesh was burned, but he remained unharmed due to divine intervention. Some believe that the name Laverna may have been inspired by this saint's miraculous survival of fire.
Today, Laverna is still considered an unusual and rare name, but it has gained some popularity in recent years as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children. Despite its rarity, Laverna remains a strong and distinctive name with a rich historical legacy that continues to intrigue and inspire those who hear it.
The name Laverna has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a significant increase in its usage during the early to mid-20th century.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name appeared infrequently, with fewer than 15 births per year from 1889 to 1914. However, starting around 1915, there was a notable rise in its popularity, reaching 62 births that year.
The peak of Laverna's popularity occurred between 1917 and 1923, with the highest number of births recorded at 127 in 1920. This period saw a steady increase in the number of babies named Laverna each year, suggesting that the name was becoming more fashionable during this time.
However, after reaching its peak, the popularity of Laverna began to decline steadily. By 1934, there were only 64 births recorded, marking a significant drop from its peak years.
This downward trend continued throughout the mid-20th century, with fewer than 50 births per year recorded between 1935 and 1982. The name's popularity hit an all-time low in recent decades, with only single-digit numbers of babies named Laverna each year since 1971.
In total, there have been 3,733 births recorded for the name Laverna in the United States since 1889, demonstrating that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has still been chosen by thousands of families over the years.