Holding steady.
Popularity of Laval since 1921
Babies named Laval per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1955, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Laval's real moment was 1937.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 12 |
| 1940s | 20 |
| 1950s | 38 |
| 1960s | 49 |
| 1970s | 36 |
| 1980s | 31 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Laval is a rare masculine given name in the United States, with first recorded usage in 1921. Its peak year of recorded usage was 1937, after which it has remained stable but extremely uncommon, failing to appear in any top 1,000 rankings. The name's trajectory suggests it has never gained wide traction, and it is not recorded with any concentration in particular states. Etymologically, Laval is believed to be a transfer of a French surname or place name, connecting it to the meaning 'the valley'. This gives the name a geographic and French cultural flavor, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon name with European roots.
Laval is most likely a transferred use of a French surname or place name, from Old French 'la val' meaning 'the valley'. As a given name, it has been used sporadically in the United States since the early 20th century, possibly influenced by the French city of Laval or by prominent individuals bearing the surname. However, its usage remains rare, and its exact origin as a personal name is not firmly established.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Laval
Names that share Laval's style, for a brother or sister.
