Yvonne is a feminine given name of French origin and meaning. It is derived from the Old German word "Ywuin", which means "yew bow". This name was brought to France by the Franks, a Germanic tribe that settled in Gaul during the late Roman Empire. In France, Yvonne became popular during the Middle Ages and has since remained a beloved name for girls.
The name Yvonne is associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous Yvonne's is Yvonne de Gaulle (1900-1973), who was the wife of French President Charles de Gaulle. Another notable figure is Yvonne Rainer, an American choreographer and filmmaker known for her work in experimental dance and film.
In popular culture, Yvonne has been used as a character name in various movies, TV shows, and books. For example, Yvonne "Viv" Walker is a character in the American television series "The Wire", while Yvonne Sassinot de Nesle is a character in the French novel "The Lily of the Valley" by Marcel Proust.
Overall, Yvonne is a classic feminine given name with a rich history and several notable namesakes. Its meaning, derived from an Old German word for yew bow, gives it a strong and enduring quality that has made it a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet timeless name for their daughters.
The name Yvonne has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century. With only 6 births recorded in 1886, it was quite rare at the time. However, by 1912, there were 217 births, indicating a growing trend. The name reached its peak popularity between 1934 and 1950, with over 3000 births per year during this period.
However, after 1950, the popularity of the name Yvonne began to decline sharply. By the late 1960s, there were fewer than 3000 births per year, and by the early 1970s, the number had fallen below 2000. This downward trend continued throughout the remainder of the century.
In recent years, Yvonne has remained quite uncommon, with fewer than 200 births recorded each year since 2006. As of 2023, there have been 87 births recorded for the name Yvonne, continuing this overall decline in popularity.