Vernon is a unisex given name of English origin that has been used historically for both boys and girls. The name Vernon is derived from the surname Vernon, which is of Old French origin and means "from the alder tree". The alder tree was believed to have magical properties in Norse mythology, making it a symbol of strength and courage.
The name Vernon first appeared as a given name in the 19th century, but its use as a surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The most famous bearer of the surname Vernon was Richard de Vernon, who was a knight in the service of William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
Over time, the name Vernon has become more associated with male than female babies, but it is still used occasionally for girls as well. Some notable people named Vernon include musician Vernon Reid, basketball player Vernon Maxwell, and author Vernon Lee. Overall, Vernon is a strong and distinctive name that carries a sense of history and tradition.
The name Vernon has been a popular choice for parents in the United States since the late 19th century. Between 1880 and 1890, there were an average of 71 births per year with the name Vernon. The number of births increased steadily over the next decade, reaching a peak of 223 births in 1906.
The early 20th century saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name Vernon, with over 800 births recorded each year between 1912 and 1917. The highest number of births during this period was in 1917, with 2,463 babies named Vernon.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline in the mid-1920s, and by the end of the decade, there were fewer than 300 births per year. This trend continued throughout the Great Depression and World War II, with an average of around 200 births per year during the 1930s and 1940s.
The popularity of the name Vernon fluctuated throughout the second half of the 20th century, with a peak of 708 births in 1980 followed by a steady decline. By the early 21st century, there were fewer than 200 births per year with the name Vernon.
Despite this decline in popularity, Vernon remains a classic and enduring name choice for parents in the United States. Since 1880, a total of 146,153 babies have been named Vernon.