Find out how popular the first name Devon has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Devon by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Devon is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 79% of people named Devon being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 254 male babies and 48 female babies born with the name Devon.

The history of the first name Devon

The name Devon is derived from the Celtic word "Dyfnaint," which means "deep valley" or "deep stream." This name has its origins in the southwestern region of England, particularly in the county of Devon, which is where it likely originated.

In the early medieval period, the name Devon was used as a place name, referring to the geographical location of Devon in England. Over time, it transitioned into a personal name, likely influenced by the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, when it became common for people to adopt place names as surnames or given names.

One of the earliest known records of the name Devon as a personal name dates back to the 13th century. In 1273, a man named Devon de Wycombe was mentioned in historical records from Buckinghamshire, England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Devon. One of the earliest examples is Devon Monson (c. 1280 - c. 1349), an English nobleman and military commander who fought in the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

Another historical figure with the name Devon was Devon Courtney (1486 - 1556), an English courtier and diplomat during the reign of King Henry VIII. He served as a member of the Privy Council and was involved in negotiations with France and the Holy Roman Empire.

In the 17th century, Devon Petty (1620 - 1687) was an English philosopher and scientist who made significant contributions to the fields of economics and political theory. He is best known for his work "Political Arithmetic," which laid the foundations for modern statistical analysis.

Moving forward, Devon Sanderson (1777 - 1842) was a British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars. He participated in several notable battles, including the Battle of Trafalgar, and rose to the rank of admiral.

Another notable figure was Devon Fairchild (1892 - 1966), an American aviator and pioneer of early commercial aviation. He played a crucial role in establishing transcontinental air routes and was instrumental in the development of the aviation industry in the United States.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Devon, highlighting its rich cultural and historical significance across various periods and contexts.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Devon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Devon, please contact us.

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