Find out how popular the first name Laverna has been for the last 12 years (from 1974 to 1985) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Laverna by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Laverna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1985, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Laverna.

The history of the first name Laverna

The name Laverna originated from the ancient Roman goddess of the same name, who was the protector of thieves, fraudsters, and the underworld. The name is derived from the Latin word "lavare," which means "to wash" or "to cleanse," referring to the goddess's ability to cleanse her followers of their wrongdoings.

Laverna was a relatively obscure goddess in Roman mythology, with her cult primarily centered in Rome itself. She was often associated with the goddess Fortuna, who represented luck and fortune. Laverna's festival, known as the Lavernalia, was celebrated on the 23rd of March.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Laverna can be found in the writings of the Roman poet Horace, who lived from 65 BC to 8 BC. In his work "Epistles," Horace refers to Laverna as the patron goddess of thieves and swindlers, highlighting her association with the underworld.

Throughout history, the name Laverna has been relatively uncommon, likely due to its association with the goddess of thieves and fraudsters. However, there are a few notable individuals who have borne this name:

1. Laverna Siqueiras (1884-1948), a Brazilian poet and writer known for her works exploring themes of love, nature, and feminism.
2. Laverna Defoe (1919-1996), an American sculptor and artist known for her abstract bronze sculptures.
3. Laverna Neher (1926-2017), an American botanist and academic who specialized in the study of plant taxonomy and systematics.
4. Laverna Acosta (1935-2022), a Puerto Rican singer and actress who performed in various Latin American countries.
5. Laverna Torgerson (1942-present), an American politician who served as the mayor of Bozeman, Montana, from 1993 to 2001.

Despite its ancient Roman origins, the name Laverna has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, likely due to its association with the goddess of thieves and the underworld. However, it has been used by a few notable individuals in various fields, showcasing its unique and intriguing background.

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

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

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