Varney is a unisex given name of French origin, derived from the Old French word 'varenne', which means 'fern'. It has been used as both a male and female name in various cultures throughout history. The name Varney was popularized by the Victorian gothic novel "Varney the Vampire" written by James Malcolm Rymer in 1847. This work is considered one of the earliest examples of vampire literature in English, featuring a supernatural being named Varney who stalks and terrorizes his victims. Despite its literary connection to vampirism, Varney remains a unique and intriguing name choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful moniker for their child.
The name Varney experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable gap between the early 1920s and mid-1940s.