Waverley is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Waverley novels by Sir Walter Scott. The novels are named after Waverley Abbey in Scotland, which was founded in 1128 and is the first Cistercian monastery in Scotland.
The meaning of the name Waverley is not explicitly defined, but it is believed to be associated with the idea of "waves" or "wavering," perhaps due to its connection to the Abbey's location near the River Tweed. The name has gained popularity as a given name for boys and girls in English-speaking countries since the publication of Sir Walter Scott's novels.
In literature, Waverley is also the title character of Sir Walter Scott's first novel, "Waverley," published in 1814. The story follows young Edward Waverley, who becomes involved in the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 and ultimately plays a crucial role in its outcome.
While there may not be any specific historical figures named Waverley, the name has been popularized through Scott's works and continues to be used today as a unique and distinctive given name. It is often associated with Scottish heritage or literature, particularly among fans of Sir Walter Scott's writings.
The statistics regarding the name Waverley show a steady increase in its usage over time in the United States. From only five births in both 1995 and 2001, the number of babies named Waverley has grown significantly to reach a peak of 27 births in 2022.
From 2008 onwards, there is a noticeable upward trend with fluctuations along the way. The name saw its first significant spike in popularity between 2012 and 2014, with 10, 9, and 14 births respectively. This period marked a shift towards more parents choosing Waverley for their newborns.
The years from 2015 to present have seen consistent growth in the number of babies named Waverley, with no year having fewer than seven births. The most recent data available shows that there were 26 births in both 2021 and 2023, indicating a sustained popularity for this unique name.
Overall, since 1995 until 2023, there have been a total of 203 babies named Waverley born in the United States. This demonstrates an upward trajectory in its usage as a given name over time.