Holding steady, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Laverne since 1885
Babies named Laverne per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 26 | 20 |
| 1890s | 174 | 52 |
| 1900s | 581 | 168 |
| 1910s | 5,039 | 1,860 |
| 1920s | 12,642 | 4,027 |
| 1930s | 8,189 | 3,150 |
| 1940s | 5,861 | 1,862 |
| 1950s | 5,772 | 969 |
| 1960s | 3,271 | 561 |
| 1970s | 958 | 244 |
| 1980s | 252 | 111 |
| 1990s | 99 | 71 |
| 2000s | 5 | 59 |
| 2010s | 0 | 50 |
| 2020s | 9 | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Laverne entered U.S. records in 1885 and reached its highest popularity in 1928, ranking among the top 300 names for boys at that time. It has since declined sharply, reflecting a broader trend away from surnames-as-first-names that peaked in the early 20th century. As of 2025, it remains in use but is exceedingly uncommon, with only about 1 in 178,585 newborns receiving the name. The name's trajectory has been stable, with no signs of revival. While it was once strongly associated with the fictional character Laverne DeFazio from the 1970s television show Laverne and Shirley, that connection did not spur a resurgence. Today, Laverne is primarily encountered as a name from an earlier generation, retaining a vintage charm for those seeking a distinctly old-fashioned choice.
Laverne is derived from a French surname, itself from a place name meaning 'alder grove' (from Gaulish *verna 'alder tree'). It was first used as a given name in the late 19th century, gaining popularity in the United States during the 1920s. The name was often given to both boys and girls, though more common for boys in its early years; it peaked in 1928 at rank 257 for males.
Where Laverne is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vern, Lav, Laury
Sibling names for Laverne
Names that share Laverne's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mildred, Lois, Eileen, Marion, Phyllis, Johnetta, Lavera, Louvenia, Deatrice, Ladean, Lajean, Lajune, Lavetta, Acquanetta, Laretha, Wannetta, Lacheryl, Ladelle, Ladonne
Brothers: Earl, Clarence, Harold, Vernon, Raymond, Lavon, Lawayne, Ladell, Lavance, Lavoris, Montrice, Vondell, Lavert, Lavalle, Leroi, Levone
