The name Devon is of English origin and means "dark-haired" or "from the south". It is derived from the Old English word "Denvīne", which was used to refer to people who came from the southern part of England, specifically Devon County.
Devon as a given name has gained popularity in recent years. While it has been traditionally used more often for boys, it has also become popular for girls in some cases. It is a unisex name that can be spelled in various ways such as Devin, Devlin, or Devonne.
Historically, the name Devon was used to indicate someone's origin from the southwest region of England known as Devon. However, today it is often chosen simply for its sound and its meaning. It has also been popular among celebrities, with several notable figures named Devon.
In terms of popularity, Devon ranked #354 in the United States for boys' names in 2019 according to Social Security data. For girls, it was not among the top 1000 names, but it is still used occasionally. Overall, Devon remains a unique and distinctive name choice that carries a rich historical significance.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe a significant trend regarding the name Devon over the past century in the United States.
Initially, the number of babies named Devon was quite low, ranging from 10 to 26 births per year between 1914 and 1925. However, starting around 1926, we see a notable increase in the popularity of this name, with more than 30 births occurring annually until 1947.
The years 1950 to 1979 mark another significant turning point for Devon's popularity. During this period, there were consistently over 300 babies named Devon each year, peaking at 442 births in 1973 and 460 births in 1982.
The late 1980s and early 1990s witnessed an unprecedented boom in popularity for the name Devon. Between 1983 and 1994, the number of babies named Devon more than tripled, from 750 births in 1983 to a peak of 3,113 births in 1995.
However, this trend began to reverse midway through the 1990s. Despite remaining relatively popular throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, with approximately 2,700-3,100 babies named Devon each year, we observe a steady decline in popularity thereafter.
By the 2010s, the number of babies named Devon had dropped significantly, with fewer than 650 births per year recorded between 2010 and 2014. This downward trend has continued into the 2020s, with only 384 births in 2020 and 319 births in 2021.
In conclusion, while Devon was once a popular name in the United States, reaching its peak popularity between 1992 and 1995, it has since experienced a significant decline in usage. As of 2021, Devon ranks among the least popular names for newborn boys in the U.S., according to the Social Security Administration's data.
Despite this recent decrease in popularity, it is essential to remember that many people continue to bear the name Devon, reflecting its former prevalence and enduring charm. The fluctuations in popularity over time merely serve as an interesting reflection of shifting cultural trends and preferences during different eras.