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

Popularity of Ivor by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ivor is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ivor.

The history of the first name Ivor

The name Ivor is derived from the Welsh language and has its origins in the ancient Celtic culture. It is believed to have emerged around the 5th century AD, during the time when the Welsh language was developing and solidifying its roots.

Ivor is thought to be a variation of the Welsh name Yvori or Yvyr, which itself is derived from the Old Welsh word "ebyr" or "efyr," meaning "roe deer" or "young deer." This connection to nature and wildlife reflects the deep reverence and appreciation that the ancient Celtic people had for the natural world.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ivor can be found in the Welsh Triads, a collection of traditional narratives and stories that date back to the Middle Ages. The Triads mention an Ivor Bach, a legendary figure who was said to be a skilled archer and hunter.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Ivor. One of the most famous was Ivor Novello (1893-1951), a Welsh composer, playwright, and actor who achieved tremendous success in the early 20th century. His works, such as the musical "The Dancing Years," have left a lasting legacy in the world of theater and entertainment.

Another prominent Ivor was Ivor Bulmer-Thomas (1905-1993), a British civil servant and diplomat who served as the Governor of Bermuda from 1962 to 1967. His tenure was marked by his efforts to promote economic development and social progress in the British Overseas Territory.

In the realm of sports, Ivor Powell (1923-2018) was a Welsh rugby union player who represented Wales and the British Lions with distinction. He played as a fly-half and was part of the legendary Welsh team that won the Grand Slam in the 1950 Five Nations Championship.

Ivor Gurney (1890-1937) was a renowned English poet and composer who served in World War I. Despite suffering from mental illness later in life, his works, such as the collection "Severn and Somme," are celebrated for their evocative depictions of the natural world and the horrors of war.

Finally, Ivor Montagu (1904-1984) was a British filmmaker, writer, and producer who played a significant role in the development of the British documentary film movement. He was also an avid supporter of the Soviet Union and a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the name Ivor, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human endeavor.

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 Ivor was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!