Yvonne is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the Old German name Yrmina or Imminah. The name means "eagle power" or "strength of an eagle," which reflects the prowess and majesty associated with these birds.
The name Yvonne was popularized in France during the 19th century, largely due to its use in literature and theater. It gained further popularity in English-speaking countries after World War II, as Allied soldiers returned home with a fondness for French names, including Yvonne.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Yvonne. One of the most famous is Yvonne de Gaulle, the wife of Charles de Gaulle, who served as the First Lady of France from 1958 to 1969. Another notable figure is Yvonne Chouteau, an American ballerina of French descent who was a principal dancer with the Harkness Ballet and later became a choreographer.
In literature, the name Yvonne appears in works such as "Yvonne, Princess of Burgundy," a play by the Belgian dramatist Henry Meilhac. The name has also been used in various songs and poems throughout history, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Today, Yvonne remains a relatively uncommon name in English-speaking countries but continues to be widely used in France and other French-speaking regions. Its timeless meaning and elegant sound make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet classic name for their daughter.
The name Yvonne has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with a total of 619 births recorded since 1921. The popularity of the name varied throughout this period, with some years seeing as many as 17 births and others as few as 5.
The decade of the 1930s saw a steady increase in the number of girls named Yvonne, with the highest number of births recorded in 1936 (16 births). This trend continued into the early 1940s, with peaks in 1941 and 1948. However, the 1950s and 1960s saw a decline in popularity for the name Yvonne, with an average of around 10 births per year.
Interestingly, there were two spikes in popularity for the name Yvonne in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with peaks in 1969 (17 births) and 1972 (5 births). This suggests that parents may have been drawn to the name due to its unique sound or perhaps as a nod to historical figures named Yvonne.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Yvonne has fluctuated over the past century, it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking for a name with a touch of vintage charm.