The name Vernon originates from the Old French place name Vernun, which in turn derives from the Gaulish word vernos, meaning "alder tree." This places the name's linguistic roots in northern France during the Gaulish period, which stretched from around the 5th century BC to the 1st century AD.

Vernon likely emerged as a surname first, with people taking on the name to indicate they were from the town of Vernun in Normandy, France. Eventually, it transitioned into use as a masculine given name in its own right.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Vernon as a first name dates back to the late 11th century. A Norman nobleman named Vernon de Reviers is mentioned in records from this period, having taken his name from the village of Reviers in Normandy.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Vernon Harcourt served as the Archbishop of York from 1289 to 1295. The Harcourt family held significant power and influence in medieval England.

During the Renaissance period, Vernon Forrest (1470-1537) was an English churchman and one of the earliest published writers on arithmetic and mathematics.

In the 17th century, Vernon Ussher (1608-1658) was an English Church of Ireland priest who served as the Archbishop of Armagh from 1625 until his death.

Jumping ahead to the 19th century, Vernon Lushington (1832-1912) was a British judge and civil servant who served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Ionian Islands.

More recently, Vernon Handbury (1919-1998) was a British businessman and philanthropist who co-founded The Rank Organisation, one of the largest entertainment companies in the United Kingdom.