Vere is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "beorh," which means "bright" or "famous." The name Vere was popularized by the Norman conquest of England in 1066, when many Norman nobles brought their names and cultural influences to the British Isles.
The name Vere was notably carried by members of the noble family known as the Veres, who were descendants of the Viking chief Rognvaldr Kali Kolsson. The earliest recorded instance of the name Vere is found in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. In this document, a man named Walter de Vere appears as the tenant-in-chief of the manor of Vale Royal in Cheshire.
Throughout history, the name Vere has been associated with several notable figures. One such figure is John de Vere, the 14th Earl of Oxford, who fought alongside Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Another prominent bearer of the name was Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, who was a patron of the arts and was believed by some to be the true author of Shakespeare's plays.
Today, Vere remains a rare and uncommon given name, but its rich history and distinctive meaning continue to make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique name for their child. The name Vere carries with it a sense of brightness and fame, making it a fitting choice for those looking for a name that is both memorable and meaningful.
Statistics on the given name Vere in the United States show that it has been relatively uncommon throughout the past century. According to available records, there were six births with the name Vere in 1895 and another six in 1920. The name's popularity seemed to dip slightly after that period, with only five recorded births in 1924.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity, it's important to note that the total number of births for this name over this span is quite modest, standing at just seventeen in total. This suggests that Vere has not been a widely used name in the United States during these years.
However, it would be interesting to compare these figures with more recent data or with statistics from other countries to gain a broader understanding of the prevalence and trends of this particular name over time and across different regions.