Is Vernon a boy's or girl's name?

Vernon is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 1,976 recorded births.

When was Vernon most popular?

Vernon reached its peak popularity in 1920 with 3,144 births that year. It is currently ranked #1557 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Vernon?

Vernon is currently ranked #1557 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 146,276 babies since 1880.

Vernon

An uncommon Old French pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld FrenchRising fast Also a pet name

#1557▲ 73in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A town in Eure department, Normandy, France.

Vernon is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old French origin, from the Norman place name Vernon in Normandy, derived from the Gaulish element meaning 'alder tree grove.' It traveled to England with the Norman Conquest and eventually crossed to America.

Vernon was most popular in the U.S. from the 1890s through the 1940s. Vernon Davis (NFL tight end) and musician Vernon Reid of Living Colour show its range. The name has a dignified, unhurried character — solid and unpretentious, with real historical depth.

Compare Vernon with another name

Popularity Over Time

Vernon was #1084 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1557, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Vernon
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	542	#1607	▼
2010s	1,159	#1460	▼
2000s	1,557	#1093	▼
1990s	2,839	#632	▼
1980s	5,376	#362	▼
1970s	7,722	#267	▼
1960s	14,410	#190	▼
1950s	20,134	#148	▲
1940s	20,038	#122	—
1930s	22,196	#88	▼
1920s	29,432	#68	▲
1910s	16,967	#80	▲
1900s	2,053	#110	▲
1890s	1,215	#135	▲
1880s	636	#203	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(145 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Vernon
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	112	#1557	+5 (4.7%)
2023	107	#1630	-11 (-9.3%)
2022	118	#1531	-7 (-5.6%)
2021	125	#1450	+45 (56.3%)
2020	80	#1866	-34 (-29.8%)
2019	114	#1505	+11 (10.7%)
2018	103	#1602	-12 (-10.4%)
2017	115	#1475	+4 (3.6%)
2016	111	#1521	+5 (4.7%)
2015	106	#1545	-17 (-13.8%)
2014	123	#1387	+10 (8.8%)
2013	113	#1467	-5 (-4.2%)
2012	118	#1418	0
2011	118	#1410	-20 (-14.5%)
2010	138	#1266	+24 (21.1%)
2009	114	#1469	-22 (-16.2%)
2008	136	#1283	-14 (-9.3%)
2007	150	#1179	+5 (3.4%)
2006	145	#1170	+10 (7.4%)
2005	135	#1190	-12 (-8.2%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Vernon as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Vernon has also been given to 1,976 girls in the U.S. since 1881.

Unranked

Current rank

1,976

Total births

1922

Peak year

Compare Vernon as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Vernon be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Vernon is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1557. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Vernon has two lives

Vernon, the baby name

#1557boys

146,276 babies

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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology