A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Verna since 1880
Babies named Verna per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Verna's real moment was 1906.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,052 |
| 1890s | 3,036 |
| 1900s | 4,752 |
| 1910s | 13,214 |
| 1920s | 16,265 |
| 1930s | 10,582 |
| 1940s | 7,868 |
| 1950s | 6,160 |
| 1960s | 3,355 |
| 1970s | 1,165 |
| 1980s | 537 |
| 1990s | 334 |
| 2000s | 293 |
| 2010s | 313 |
| 2020s | 187 |
Meaning & origin
Verna is a name of Latin origin meaning 'spring green,' fitting for a feminine name that once flourished in the early 1900s. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak in 1906, when it ranked 3459 with a 1-in-36529 frequency. After decades of decline, Verna has seen a gentle revival since 2010, with its trajectory now rising. The name was notably favored in Pennsylvania, one of its top states. While not common today, Verna carries a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking an uncommon yet classic-sounding name.
Verna is derived from the Latin word 'vernus', meaning 'of spring' or 'spring green'. It emerged as a given name in the 19th century, possibly as a feminine form of Verne or a variant of the Latin name Vera. The name saw modest use in the United States during the late 1800s and early 1900s, peaking in popularity in 1906 when it ranked 3459 with a 1-in-36529 frequency.
Where Verna 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: Vernie, Nina
Variants: Verna
Sibling names for Verna
Names that share Verna's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mabel, Edna, Pearl, Myrtle, Cora, Delma, Laverna, Loretha, Marva, Melva, Treva, Venita, Verla, Wilda, Drema, Inell, Lavada, Lavonna, Merna, Verlie, Versie, Voncile, Waneta, Alvenia, Alverna, Jestine, Jonita, Lavergne, Laverta, Luellen, Luevenia, Macel, Neomia, Orva, Twilla, Valma, Velmer, Velna, Velta, Verneda, Wanna, Arretta, Delva, Ercel, Irva, Larene, Odeal, Orvilla, Verlena, Vonceil, Waunita, Alveda, Alveta, Arwilda, Berdia, Birdena, Deltha, Eldoris, Elzena, Ertha, Glema, Idonna, Ilamae, Lendora, Leotta, Leveda, Tenna, Valta, Vanice, Vear, Velvia, Velvie, Verble, Verley, Virdell
Brothers: Elmer, Clarence, Ernest, Harold, Raymond, Alvis, Delwin, Vernard, Ardell, Arlin, Arliss, Delton, Harlon, Lamon, Leverne, Verdell, Verlon, Vester, Ancil, Arville, Eldo, Nelvin, Pervis, Arlester, Delno, Erbie, Ervey, Glenard, Olney, Verbon, Verdis, Verland, Wendal, Willmer, Lavert, Algia, Levorn, Lyndle, Lyndol, Vinal, Virgal, Warnell
