Ivor is a male given name of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh word "Yvor," which means "archer." The name is believed to have been brought to Britain by the ancient Celtic tribes who settled there around the time of the Roman Empire. It was likely used as a nickname for someone who excelled in archery or had a keen eye.
The name Ivor has been used throughout history, with one notable bearer being Sir Ivor Thomas, a Welsh politician and judge who served as Lord Justice of Appeal from 1957 to 1968. Another prominent figure was the Welsh poet Ivor Hiscott, who was known for his work in the early 20th century.
Today, Ivor is still used as a given name, particularly in Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom. It is often associated with Welsh culture and heritage, but it can be found among people of various backgrounds and nationalities. Despite its historical roots, Ivor remains a unique and distinctive name that carries a sense of strength and precision, fitting for someone who shares its meaning as an "archer.
The name Ivor has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1896 and 2023, there have been a total of 840 babies named Ivor.
In the early 20th century, the name's popularity fluctuated significantly from year to year. For instance, only 5 babies were named Ivor in 1896, but this number increased to 22 in 1918 and reached a peak of 27 births in consecutive years from 1916 to 1917.
However, the popularity of the name started declining from the late 1920s onwards. Between 1930 and 1954, there were fewer than 15 births per year with the exception of a few spikes such as 18 births in 1921 and 16 births in 1924.
From the mid-1950s to the late 1970s, the number of babies named Ivor remained relatively low, typically ranging from 5 to 9 births per year. This period also included some notable dips, such as only 5 births recorded each in 1951 and 1984.
There was a brief resurgence in popularity during the late 1980s to early 1990s with around 7-13 births per year. This trend continued into the new millennium, with peaks of 15 births recorded in 2017 and 14 births in 2022.
Despite these fluctuations, Ivor remains a relatively uncommon name in the United States today, with only 9 babies named Ivor in both 2020 and 2023 respectively. These statistics show that while Ivor has had periods of popularity over the years, it has generally been a niche choice among parents naming their children.