Ivon is a masculine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh name Iefan, which is composed of two elements: "ieu" meaning "youth" and "ban" meaning "white". Therefore, the name Iefan can be translated as "young white". Over time, the name has evolved into various forms in different languages. In French, for instance, it became Yves or Yvon, while in English, it is often spelled Ivan.
The name Ivon has a rich history and has been borne by several notable figures throughout the centuries. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Saint Ivo of Brittany, also known as Saint Ives. Born in the 5th century, he was a Breton holy man and lawyer who became the patron saint of lawyers and judges. According to legend, Ivo refused to accept payment for his legal services and instead gave away any money he received to the poor.
In literature, Ivon appears as a character in several works, including "Ivanhoe" by Sir Walter Scott and "The House of the Spirits" by Isabel Allende. Additionally, there have been several historical figures named Ivon or variants thereof, such as Ivan III of Russia and Yves Plouzané, a French politician.
Overall, the name Ivon is steeped in history and culture, with its roots tracing back to ancient Wales. Its meaning, "young white," may evoke images of purity, youthfulness, and resilience. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their sons.
The name Ivon has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the past century. While it may not have been as popular as some other names during certain decades, it still holds its own unique place among American baby names.
From 1907 to 2023, there were a total of 575 babies named Ivon born in the United States. The number of births varied significantly from year to year, with some years seeing as many as 16 births (in 1990) and others only having 5 (in several years including 1981, 2005, 2014, and 2020).
The name's popularity seemed to peak during the 1920s and 1930s with consistently higher numbers of births each year. During this period, there were multiple years with over 10 births annually. However, from the late 1960s onwards, the number of annual Ivon births generally remained below ten.
Despite fluctuations in popularity, it's clear that the name Ivon has maintained a steady presence among American baby names throughout the past century. Although it may not be one of the most popular choices currently, it remains a unique and distinctive option for parents looking to give their child a special name with history and character behind it.