Vernel first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Vernel has been for the last 13 years (from 1975 to 1987) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Vernel

A masculine name of Germanic origin meaning "truth" or "alder tree".

Popularity of Vernel by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Vernel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1987, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Vernel.

Year Male Count Female Count
1987 5 0
1975 5 0

The history of the first name Vernel

The name Vernel has its origins in the French language, tracing back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old French word "vern," which means "alder tree." The alder tree was a common sight in the forests of medieval France, and its wood was used for various purposes, including woodworking and making charcoal.

While the name Vernel does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is believed to have been used as a surname in certain regions of France as early as the 12th century. Over time, it transitioned from a surname to a given name, likely due to its pleasant sound and natural association.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Vernel as a first name dates back to the 16th century. A French merchant named Vernel Durand lived in the city of Lyon during this period and was known for his successful trading ventures with neighboring countries.

In the 17th century, a French playwright named Vernel Lemoine gained recognition for his comedic works, which were performed in Parisian theaters. His plays often satirized the upper class and explored themes of love, betrayal, and societal norms.

During the 18th century, Vernel Laporte, a French architect, left his mark on the city of Bordeaux by designing several notable buildings, including the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, which is still standing today and celebrated for its neoclassical architecture.

In the 19th century, Vernel Dubois, a French botanist, made significant contributions to the field of plant taxonomy. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, collecting and documenting various plant species, and his work helped advance the understanding of plant classification and evolution.

Another notable figure from the 19th century was Vernel Mercier, a French artist renowned for his landscape paintings. His works depicted the natural beauty of the French countryside, capturing the changing seasons and the play of light on rural scenes.

As the name Vernel transitioned into the 20th century, it continued to be used, albeit less frequently. One notable individual was Vernel Bagneris, a French jazz musician and composer who was active in the 1950s and 1960s, contributing to the vibrant jazz scene in Paris during that era.

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

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

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"Vernel first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on September 3, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/vernel-meaning-and-history/.

"Vernel first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/vernel-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 3 September, 2025

Vernel first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/vernel-meaning-and-history/.

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