Yvonne is a feminine given name of French origin and meaning. It is derived from the Old German word "Ywuin", which means "yew bow". This name was brought to France by the Franks, a Germanic tribe that settled in Gaul during the late Roman Empire. In France, Yvonne became popular during the Middle Ages and has since remained a beloved name for girls.
The name Yvonne is associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous Yvonne's is Yvonne de Gaulle (1900-1973), who was the wife of French President Charles de Gaulle. Another notable figure is Yvonne Rainer, an American choreographer and filmmaker known for her work in experimental dance and film.
In popular culture, Yvonne has been used as a character name in various movies, TV shows, and books. For example, Yvonne "Viv" Walker is a character in the American television series "The Wire", while Yvonne Sassinot de Nesle is a character in the French novel "The Lily of the Valley" by Marcel Proust.
Overall, Yvonne is a classic feminine given name with a rich history and several notable namesakes. Its meaning, derived from an Old German word for yew bow, gives it a strong and enduring quality that has made it a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet timeless name for their daughters.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe an interesting trend regarding the popularity of the name Yvonne in the United States over the past century and a half.
The earliest recorded data shows that there were only 6 births with the name Yvonne in the United States in 1886. This number remained relatively low until around the turn of the century, when we start to see an increase in popularity. In 1897, there were 53 births, and by 1899, this number had risen to 62.
The first decade of the 20th century saw a significant growth in the popularity of the name Yvonne. Between 1900 and 1910, the number of annual births with this name increased from 90 to 132, an average growth rate of approximately 5% per year.
The period between 1912 and 1923 was a particularly popular time for the name Yvonne. During these years, there were over 200 births each year, peaking at 964 in 1925. This decade also saw the highest number of births with the name Yvonne in any single year in U.S. history, with 1495 babies named Yvonne in 1934.
However, after this peak, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Yvonne throughout much of the mid-20th century. By 1967, there were only 2573 births with the name Yvonne, and this number continued to drop over the next few decades. Between 1984 and 1996, the average number of annual births with the name Yvonne was just 569.
In recent years, we have seen a resurgence in the popularity of the name Yvonne. While it has not reached the heights of the past, there were still 77 births with the name Yvonne in the United States in 2021, and 87 births in 2023. This suggests that while Yvonne may not be as popular as it once was, it remains a name with enduring appeal.
Overall, these statistics provide insight into the changing trends of naming practices in the United States over time. The popularity of the name Yvonne has waxed and waned over the years, but its long history of use demonstrates its enduring status as a classic name choice.