Vernon

Pronunciation: [ v-ERN-uhn ]

Boy Name #1,557 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A dignified Norman name with deep American roots

English French American

Vintage Classic Traditional Earthy Strong

Meaning & Origin

"alder grove"

Origin: Gaulish/Norman French

Language: French

"place of alder trees"

Origin: Norman place name

Language: French

The Story of Vernon

Vernon is an English surname and given name derived from a Norman French place name, ultimately from the Gaulish/Latin 'verno' or 'vernos' meaning 'alder tree,' combined with a suffix indicating a grove or wooded area. The name came to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066, when the de Vernon family — Norman lords from Vernon in Normandy — settled in England and became prominent nobles. As a given name, Vernon was fashionable in the 19th and early 20th centuries in English-speaking countries.

Vernon was a popular given name in the United States from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, associated with a solid, dependable American character. It has vintage status today, beloved by parents seeking understated mid-century charm.

Vernon Presley (1916-1979), father of Elvis Presley, is perhaps the most famous American Vernon. Mount Vernon in Virginia — George Washington's plantation and home — was named for Admiral Edward Vernon of the British Royal Navy, giving the name a significant place in American history.

Fun Facts

George Washington's home Mount Vernon was named for British Admiral Edward Vernon, under whom Washington's brother Lawrence served in the Royal Navy
Vernon Presley was Elvis Presley's father, giving the name a connection to rock and roll royalty
Vernon, Normandy (France) is one of the most picturesque towns in the region and was a subject of Impressionist painters including Monet

Vernon in Other Languages

Latin Vernones

French Vernon

German Vernon

Spanish Vernon

Norman French de Vernon

Famous People Named Vernon

Vernon Jordan

Business

1935

American businessman, lawyer, and civil rights activist who served as a close advisor to President Bill Clinton

Vernon Presley

Other

1916

Father of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll

Vernon Dursley Fictional

Other

Harry Potter's pompous and unkind uncle in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,557
Total SSA Count: 112
Cultural Origins: English French American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Vern

Pairs Well With

Vernon Lee Vernon James Vernon Wayne Vernon Dale Vernon Ray Vernon Eugene Vernon Clark

Sibling Names

Floyd Norbert Leroy Gertrude Mildred Wanda Dorothea

Also a Girl Name

Vernon is also used as a girl name, ranked #38975.

View Vernon as a girl name →

Similar Names

Herman Denton Benson Britton Kenton Trenton Hernan

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Frequently Asked Questions About Vernon

What does the name Vernon mean?

"alder grove" (from Gaulish/Norman French). "place of alder trees" (from Norman place name). Vernon is an English surname and given name derived from a Norman French place name, ultimately from the Gaulish/Latin 'verno' or 'vernos' meaning 'alder tree,' combined with a suffix indicating a grove or wooded area. The name came to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066, when the de Vernon family — Norman lords from Vernon in Normandy — settled in England and became prominent nobles. As a given name, Vernon was fashionable in the 19th and early 20th centuries in English-speaking countries.

What is the origin of the name Vernon?

Vernon has Gaulish/Norman French, Norman place name, English, French, and American origins. In Gaulish/Norman French, it means "alder grove". In Norman place name, it means "place of alder trees".

Is Vernon a boy or girl name?

Vernon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1557. As a girl name, it is ranked #38975. Vernon is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Vernon?

Vernon is pronounced v-ERN-uhn.

How popular is the name Vernon?

Vernon is currently ranked #1557 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Vernon?

Common nicknames for Vernon include Vern.

What are good middle names for Vernon?

Popular middle name pairings include Vernon Lee, Vernon James, Vernon Wayne, Vernon Dale, Vernon Ray, Vernon Eugene, and Vernon Clark.

What are good sibling names for Vernon?

Names that pair well with Vernon as siblings include Floyd, Norbert, Leroy, Gertrude, Mildred, Wanda, and Dorothea.

How many syllables does Vernon have?

Vernon has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Vernon a common or rare name?

Vernon is an uncommon name, ranked #1557 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Vernon

Vernon is a boy name with English, French, and American origins . The name means "alder grove" in Gaulish/Norman French .

Is Vernon a boy or girl name? Vernon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,557 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #38,975. Vernon is more commonly used as a boy name.

Vernon is currently ranked #1,557 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Vernon has 2 syllables and is pronounced v-ERN-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Vernon include Vern. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.