Vera Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationVEH-rah / ˈvɛrəLatin; Slavic
Meaning
Latin: truth; Slavic: faith
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Vera has its roots in the Latin word "verus," which means "true" or "genuine." This etymological lineage can be traced back to the early forms of the name in Latin, where it was used as a feminine given name. The transition into English occurred through various linguistic developments, particularly during the Renaissance, when classical names were revived and adopted into vernacular languages. The name Vera became more widely recognized in English-speaking countries by the 19th century, although its use in Slavic cultures predates this, where it is often associated with the word for "faith" or "truth."
Historically, the name Vera has been borne by various notable figures, including saints and literary characters. One significant milestone is the use of the name in the Christian tradition, where it has been associated with the virtue of truthfulness. In the 19th century, Vera gained further prominence through literature and the arts, appearing in works by authors such as Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy, which contributed to its cultural resonance in Slavic regions. The name also appeared in translations of biblical texts, where it was sometimes used to denote fidelity and truth, aligning with its Latin roots.
Culturally, Vera has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing integrity and sincerity. In Slavic cultures, the name is celebrated for its connection to faith and truth, making it a popular choice for girls. The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its positive connotations and the simplicity of its pronunciation across different languages. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Verochka in Russian reflect the affectionate and familial associations that the name carries, further embedding it in cultural practices and familial traditions.
Trend Summary
Vera has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Verra
- Verae
International Variants
- Vera (Spanish)
- Vera (Italian)
- Vera (Russian)
- Vera (Polish)
Famous people named Vera
Vera Wang is a fashion designer best known for her wedding dresses, bridal collections, and collaborations with various brands.
Vera Farmiga is an actress and director best known for Up in the Air, The Conjuring, and Bates Motel.
Vera Brittain is a writer and pacifist best known for her memoir Testament of Youth, her essays, and her activism during World War I.
Vera Lynn is a singer and actress best known for her songs during World War II, including We'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover.
Vera Miles is an actress best known for her roles in Psycho, The Searchers, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
Vera Chytilová is a film director best known for Daisies, The Fruit of Paradise, and her contributions to the Czech New Wave.
Fictional characters named Vera
Vera Donovan is a fictional character from the novel 'Needful Things' by Stephen King. She is a mysterious and influential figure in the town of Castle Rock, often associated with dark events and secrets.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Vera was first seen in the United States in 1880. Vera has ranked as high as #116 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Vera has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Vera (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 113 | |
FL | 85 | |
NY | 84 | |
TX | 82 | |
PA | 71 | |
OH | 66 | |
IL | 59 | |
IN | 45 | |
MA | 44 | |
NJ | 35 | |
NC | 34 | |
VA | 33 | |
WI | 33 | |
MN | 33 | |
MO | 31 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 48 |
1881 | 48 |
1882 | 67 |
1883 | 77 |
1884 | 91 |
1885 | 124 |
1886 | 167 |
1887 | 167 |
1888 | 263 |
1889 | 313 |
1890 | 393 |
1891 | 426 |
1892 | 486 |
1893 | 534 |
1894 | 618 |
1895 | 729 |
1896 | 675 |
1897 | 776 |
1898 | 876 |
1899 | 864 |
1900 | 1,024 |
1901 | 860 |
1902 | 947 |
1903 | 899 |
1904 | 993 |
1905 | 1,053 |
1906 | 1,083 |
1907 | 1,152 |
1908 | 1,204 |
1909 | 1,242 |
1910 | 1,346 |
1911 | 1,510 |
1912 | 1,974 |
1913 | 2,209 |
1914 | 2,683 |
1915 | 3,460 |
1916 | 3,622 |
1917 | 3,714 |
1918 | 3,923 |
1919 | 3,848 |
1920 | 3,785 |
1921 | 3,631 |
1922 | 3,510 |
1923 | 3,375 |
1924 | 3,476 |
1925 | 3,280 |
1926 | 3,152 |
1927 | 2,942 |
1928 | 2,842 |
1929 | 2,549 |
1930 | 2,491 |
1931 | 2,161 |
1932 | 2,023 |
1933 | 1,865 |
1934 | 1,837 |
1935 | 1,813 |
1936 | 1,513 |
1937 | 1,496 |
1938 | 1,412 |
1939 | 1,411 |
1940 | 1,322 |
1941 | 1,266 |
1942 | 1,317 |
1943 | 1,266 |
1944 | 1,188 |
1945 | 1,143 |
1946 | 1,206 |
1947 | 1,218 |
1948 | 1,149 |
1949 | 1,114 |
1950 | 1,112 |
1951 | 1,111 |
1952 | 1,090 |
1953 | 1,192 |
1954 | 1,219 |
1955 | 1,170 |
1956 | 1,150 |
1957 | 1,050 |
1958 | 976 |
1959 | 971 |
1960 | 900 |
1961 | 862 |
1962 | 730 |
1963 | 707 |
1964 | 639 |
1965 | 534 |
1966 | 454 |
1967 | 461 |
1968 | 388 |
1969 | 356 |
1970 | 365 |
1971 | 296 |
1972 | 252 |
1973 | 225 |
1974 | 194 |
1975 | 219 |
1976 | 183 |
1977 | 184 |
1978 | 164 |
1979 | 177 |
1980 | 161 |
1981 | 164 |
1982 | 166 |
1983 | 147 |
1984 | 127 |
1985 | 129 |
1986 | 112 |
1987 | 108 |
1988 | 93 |
1989 | 104 |
1990 | 101 |
1991 | 98 |
1992 | 99 |
1993 | 103 |
1994 | 92 |
1995 | 64 |
1996 | 80 |
1997 | 66 |
1998 | 102 |
1999 | 64 |
2000 | 103 |
2001 | 96 |
2002 | 104 |
2003 | 101 |
2004 | 125 |
2005 | 154 |
2006 | 161 |
2007 | 208 |
2008 | 254 |
2009 | 306 |
2010 | 431 |
2011 | 573 |
2012 | 615 |
2013 | 721 |
2014 | 891 |
2015 | 1,054 |
2016 | 1,059 |
2017 | 1,160 |
2018 | 1,264 |
2019 | 1,284 |
2020 | 1,221 |
2021 | 1,310 |
2022 | 1,339 |
2023 | 1,333 |
2024 | 1,351 |