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

Popularity of Verna by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Verna is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Verna being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 25 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Verna.

The history of the first name Verna

The name Verna has its origins in the Latin language, where it was derived from the word "vernus," meaning "of the spring" or "vernal." This connection to the spring season suggests a sense of renewal, growth, and natural beauty associated with the name.

In ancient Roman culture, the name Verna was commonly used as a feminine name, often given to girls born during the spring months. It was a popular choice among Roman families, reflecting their appreciation for the natural cycles and the rebirth of life that occurred during this time of year.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Verna can be found in the writings of the Roman poet Ovid, who lived from 43 BC to 17 AD. In his work "Fasti," a poetic calendar of Roman festivals and traditions, Ovid mentions a character named Verna, who was a personification of the spring season.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Verna. One such person was Verna Bloom (1938-2019), an American actress known for her roles in films like "National Lampoon's Animal House" and "After Hours." Another was Verna Felton (1890-1966), a voice actress who provided the voice for various characters in Disney animated films, including the fairy godmother in "Cinderella."

In the realm of literature, Verna Safford (1863-1924) was an American author and poet who published several books, including "The Lure of the Tulip" and "The Little Book of American Poets." Verna Wright (1923-2009) was a pioneering African American journalist and civil rights activist, who worked as a reporter for the Kansas City Call and the Chicago Defender newspapers.

Lastly, Verna Aardema (1911-2000) was a renowned American author of children's books, best known for her works such as "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears" and "Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain," for which she received the Caldecott Medal in 1982.

While the name Verna may not be as common today as it once was, its connection to the natural world and the cycle of seasons has endured throughout history, making it a name with a rich and enduring legacy.

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

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

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