The name Iver is of Norwegian origin and means "bow" or "arch". It is derived from the Old Norse word "Ívarr", which was used to describe a person who was brave, strong, and had excellent archery skills. The name became popular during the Viking Age, when it was often used as a boy's name.
The use of the name Iver can be traced back to the 9th century, when it was borne by several notable Norse chieftains and kings. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Ivar the Boneless, a Viking ruler who invaded England in the late 9th century.
Today, Iver is still used as a given name, particularly in Norway and other Scandinavian countries. However, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Canada, where it is often spelled "Ivor". Despite its historical associations with archery and Viking culture, the name Iver is simply associated with strength and bravery today.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Iver has had a variable trend in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1884 to 1942, there were only a handful of births each year with the name Iver. The number of births ranged from a low of 5 in 1884 and 1941 to a high of 23 in 1914. After World War II, the popularity of the name started to increase gradually. In 1946, there were 7 births with the name Iver, which is more than double the number of births in the previous year.
The trend continued, and by 1953, there were 10 births recorded for the name Iver. However, there was a significant drop in popularity between 1954 and 1976, with only 5 to 8 births each year during this period.
Starting from 1977, the popularity of the name Iver started to pick up again. There were 7 births recorded for the name in 1980, which increased to 15 births in 2008. Since then, the number of births with the name Iver has continued to rise, reaching an all-time high of 79 births in 2023.
Overall, while the name Iver may not have been very popular during the early years, its popularity has steadily increased over time. As of 2023, it appears that the name Iver is becoming more common among newborns in the United States. With a total of 1553 births recorded since 1884, Iver can be considered a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different from traditional popular names.