Beverly is a name of English origin that has gained popularity over the years. It is derived from the Old English words "befer" and "leah", which together mean "bee meadow". The name Beverly was initially used as a surname, but it became popular as a given name for girls in the late 19th century.
The name Beverly has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Beverly Sills, an American soprano who was considered one of the leading opera singers of her time. She was known for her beautiful voice and her passionate performances on stage.
Another notable figure with the name Beverly is Beverly Cleary, an American children's author who wrote the popular Henry Huggins series of books. Her stories have been loved by generations of children and continue to be enjoyed today.
While the name Beverly may not have any specific qualities associated with it, its English origin and historical significance make it a unique and interesting choice for a girl's name. Its meaning, "bee meadow", could also inspire creative interpretations and associations in those who choose this name for their child.
The name Beverly has had a varied history of popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. Between 1880 and 1895, the number of babies named Beverly ranged from as low as five to as high as fifteen births per year.
However, starting in 1912, there was a significant increase in the usage of this name, with 44 births recorded that year. This marked the beginning of a period of relatively consistent popularity for Beverly throughout the early to mid-twentieth century.
Between 1912 and 1950, the number of babies named Beverly hovered between around 60 and 120 births per year, with some notable peaks in popularity during this time. In particular, the name reached its peak popularity in 1932, with 117 births recorded that year.
However, after 1950, there was a steady decline in the usage of the name Beverly. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, fewer than 20 babies were named Beverly each year on average. This downward trend continued throughout much of the remainder of the twentieth century.
In more recent years, the name Beverly has become even less common in the United States. Between 1985 and 2003, there were fewer than ten births per year with this name recorded, on average. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration, the name Beverly ranked as the 4,632nd most popular baby girl's name in the United States in 2018.
Despite its decline in popularity in recent decades, the name Beverly still has a long and storied history of usage in the United States. Parents may choose this name for their daughters for a variety of reasons, including its historic significance as a well-loved name over many generations.