Vernon
Vernon: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvɝnən/ · /ˈvɜːnən/
Meaning and origin of Vernon
Root meaning: “alder”
- A male given name transferred from the surname, of 19th century and later usage.
Etymology
From Transalpine Gaulish uerna (“alder”) (from Proto-Celtic *wernā, from Proto-Indo-European *wern-) + -o, -onis (locative suffix, literally “place of alder trees”).
How popular is Vernon?
Since 1880, 1,976 girls and 146,413 boys in the U.S. have been named Vernon (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #869 in 1896. Its highest rank for boys was #65 in 1919. In 2025, 133 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Vernon
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Vernon
Sister and brother names that share Vernon's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Vernon FAQ
What does the name Vernon mean?
Vernon traces back to a root meaning "alder". A male given name transferred from the surname, of 19th century and later usage. From Transalpine Gaulish uerna (“alder”) (from Proto-Celtic *wernā, from Proto-Indo-European *wern-) + -o, -onis (locative suffix, literally “place of alder trees”).
What is the origin of the name Vernon?
Vernon is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Vernon?
Since 1880, 1,976 girls and 146,413 boys in the U.S. have been named Vernon (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #869 in 1896. Its highest rank for boys was #65 in 1919. In 2025, 133 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Vernon a boy or girl name?
Vernon is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 1,976 girls and 146,413 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.