What does Vera mean and where does it come from?
Vera is rooted in the Russian word for 'faith'. It became popular in the Slavic regions in the 20th century and has since spread to other cultures, including English-speaking countries. Vera has been used as a name by various notable figures, such as Vera Rubin, the American astronomer known for her
Cultural significance
Vera has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Russia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of faith.
Peak popularity
Reached #65 in 1915 — currently #205 in the US.
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Related Reading
Russia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Vera?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Vera?
Vera works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Vera Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Vera Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Vera Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Vera Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Vera Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Vera Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Vera right now?
Rising — up 21 spots — currently #205 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #205 | 1,482 | ▲ up 21 · +9% births |
| 2024 | #226 | 1,355 | ▼ down 3 · +2% births |
| 2023 | #223 | 1,333 | ▲ up 1 |
| 2022 | #224 | 1,339 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #229 | 1,310 | ▲ up 17 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #246 | 1,207 | ▲ up 64 · +15% births |
| 2015 | #310 | 1,052 | ▲ up 361 · +144% births |
| 2010 | #671 | 431 | ▲ up 721 · +180% births |
| 2005 | #1392 | 154 | ▲ up 312 · +50% births |
| 2000 | #1704 | 103 | ▲ up 398 · +61% births |
| 1995 | #2102 | 64 | ▼ down 570 · -36% births |
| 1990 | #1532 | 100 | ▼ down 414 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #1118 | 129 | ▼ down 192 · -20% births |
| 1980 | #926 | 161 | ▼ down 242 · -26% births |
| 1975 | #684 | 219 | — |
The story of Vera
Vera has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #65 in 1915. More than 142,994 babies have been named Vera since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #225 in 1880 to #223 in 2023. Vera is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Vera in 1915:
Vera by decade
Vera peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,365 | |
| 1890s | 6,383 | |
| 1900s | 10,478 | |
| 1910s | 28,368 | |
| 1920s ★ | 32,663 | |
| 1930s | 18,134 | |
| 1940s | 12,223 | |
| 1950s | 11,060 | |
| 1960s | 6,033 | |
| 1970s | 2,262 | |
| 1980s | 1,311 | |
| 1990s | 867 | |
| 2000s | 1,607 | |
| 2010s | 9,033 | |
| 2020s | 4,044 | |
What are good nicknames for Vera?
What names sound and feel like Vera?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Vera also consider these
Common questions about the name Vera
What does the name Vera mean?
Vera means "faith" — a name rooted in Russia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Vera?
Vera is currently ranked #223 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Vera have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Vera?
Vera originates from Russia tradition. Russia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Vera?
Vera is a two-syllable name pronounced VER-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Vera trending right now?
Vera is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.