Verity Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: VER-i-tee /ˈvɛrɪti/
Origin: Latin; English
Meaning: Latin: truth; English: truthfulness
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Verity is derived from the Latin word "veritas," which means "truth." This Latin term has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European root *wer-, which conveys the notion of being true or real. The transition of the name into English occurred through Old French during the Middle Ages, where it was adopted as a virtue name, reflecting the cultural emphasis on moral qualities and truthfulness in society.
The use of virtue names became particularly popular in England during the 16th and 17th centuries, as they were often chosen to embody desirable traits or characteristics. Historically, the name Verity has been associated with various cultural and religious contexts.
In Christian tradition, truth is a significant theme, often linked to biblical passages that emphasize honesty and integrity. The name may have gained further resonance through the influence of the Protestant Reformation, which highlighted the importance of personal faith and the pursuit of truth in religious practice.
Additionally, the name appears in literary works from the Renaissance period, where it was sometimes used to symbolize the quest for authenticity and moral rectitude. Culturally, Verity embodies ideals of honesty and integrity, making it a name that carries a weight of significance.
Its use as a virtue name aligns with a broader tradition in English naming practices, where names reflecting moral qualities were favored. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Vera, which emphasizes its roots in truthfulness while providing a softer, more affectionate alternative.
Overall, Verity stands as a testament to the enduring human value placed on truth across different eras and cultures.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Verity was first seen in the United States in 1966. Verity has ranked as high as #1227 nationally, which occurred in 2020, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Washington, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Verity has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Verity (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 9 | |
| CA | 7 | |
| MO | 6 | |
| TX | 6 | |
| GA | 5 | |
| WI | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1966 | 6 |
| 1973 | 8 |
| 1974 | 7 |
| 1976 | 7 |
| 1977 | 20 |
| 1978 | 13 |
| 1979 | 17 |
| 1980 | 9 |
| 1981 | 11 |
| 1982 | 12 |
| 1983 | 8 |
| 1984 | 13 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1996 | 10 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 13 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 17 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2002 | 16 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 41 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 46 |
| 2011 | 40 |
| 2012 | 52 |
| 2013 | 56 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 60 |
| 2016 | 73 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 112 |
| 2019 | 113 |
| 2020 | 129 |
| 2021 | 113 |
| 2022 | 106 |
| 2023 | 121 |
| 2024 | 107 |