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.
The name Devon experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1960s onwards, with a notable spike beginning in 1973 and peaking in 1983 with 750 births. However, since then, the number of births named Devon has steadily declined, reaching an all-time low of 254 births in 2023.