Vernon

“Place Abounding in Alder Trees”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#1047US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

147.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 188100.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Vernon

VER·nun

/ˈvɝ.nən/ · stress on VER · 2 syllables

“Place Abounding in Alder Trees”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Vernon mean and where does it come from?

While Vernon is primarily recognized as a male name of French origin, it has been occasionally used as a female name as well. It is derived from the French word 'verne,' meaning alder tree. The name Vernon has seen usage since the medieval period and was notably popular in the 19th century. In conte

Cultural significance

Vernon has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of place abounding in alder trees.

Peak popularity

Reached #857 in 1896 — currently #1047 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Vernon?

Vernon works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Vernon Grace

How popular is Vernon right now?

Holding steady — currently #1047 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1047 · Top 0.77%

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1970

1975

1980

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1047	1,153	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1052	1,133	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1057	1,103	▲ up 7287 · +15657% births
1985	#8344	7	▲ up 776 · +17% births
1980	#9120	6	▼ down 3590 · -40% births
1975	#5530	10	▼ down 1269 · -23% births
1970	#4261	13	▼ down 1431 · -32% births
1960	#2830	19	▲ up 21 · +19% births
1955	#2851	16	▼ down 404 · -6% births
1950	#2447	17	▲ up 312 · +55% births
1945	#2759	11	▼ down 719 · -31% births
1940	#2040	16	▼ down 676 · -45% births
1935	#1364	29	▼ down 196 · -29% births
1930	#1168	41	▼ down 146 · -24% births
1925	#1022	54	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Vernon

Best Year1900Rank #957

Peak Count1,153

Average Rank#2597

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202320 years

The story of Vernon

Vernon has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. More than 147,741 babies have been named Vernon since 1881. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1085 in 1885 to #1047 in 2023. Vernon is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Vernon in 1896:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Ruth

Vernon by decade

Vernon peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	656
1890s	1,299
1900s	2,180
1910s	17,314
1920s ★	29,945
1930s	22,470
1940s	20,222
1950s	20,310
1960s	14,525
1970s	7,813
1980s	5,413
1990s	2,836
2000s	1,532
2010s	1,148
2020s	78

What are good nicknames for Vernon?

ENGLISH

Vern

ENGLISH

Verna

What names sound and feel like Vernon?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Vernon also consider these

Vermon

American · A beloved name

Verron

American · Brave; bold

Verlon

American · A modern name,

Lennon

American · Irish

Venson

American · Son of Vince;

Veston

American · A variant of

Velton

American · From the estate

Venton

American · farmstead of the

Gender variants of Vernon

Verna ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Vernon

What does the name Vernon mean?

Vernon means "Place Abounding in Alder Trees" — a name rooted in American 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 Vernon?

Vernon is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Vernon?

Vernon originates from American tradition. American 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 Vernon?

Vernon is a two-syllable name pronounced V ER1 N AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Vernon a common or rare name?

Vernon is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.