Find out how popular the first name Severn has been for the last 32 years (from 1975 to 2006) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Severn by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Severn is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2006, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Severn.

The history of the first name Severn

The given name Severn has its origins in the Celtic languages, particularly Welsh and Brythonic. It is believed to have derived from the name of the River Severn, which flows through England and Wales. The river's name is thought to come from the Proto-Celtic word *ṡaḫar, meaning "wanderer" or "meandering."

In ancient times, the River Severn was known by various names, including Sábrina and Sabrina. The name Sabrina appears in medieval Welsh literature, such as the Mabinogion, where it is associated with a mythological figure who became the goddess or spirit of the river.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Severn as a personal name dates back to the 12th century. A Welsh prince named Seisyll ap Dyfnwal, who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, had a son named Severn. This usage suggests that the name had already gained popularity as a given name by that time.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Severn. In the 17th century, Severn Ramsden (1622-1676) was an English politician who served as a member of Parliament. Another Severn Ramsden (1760-1830) was a British landowner and Member of Parliament in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Severn Darden (1929-1995) was an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the Darden Restaurants corporation, known for chains like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Severn Cullis-Suzuki (born 1979) is a Canadian environmental activist and speaker who gained international recognition at the age of 12 for her speech at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

In literature, the name Severn appears in the work of British novelist Thomas Hardy. In his novel "The Hand of Ethelberta" (1876), one of the characters is named Lord Severn Haverill. This literary reference further solidifies the name's association with the River Severn region.

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

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

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