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Vera Girl

Popularity: #214 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationVEH-rah / ˈvɛrə

Latin; 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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 113
9%
FL 85
7%
NY 84
7%
TX 82
7%
PA 71
6%
OH 66
5%
IL 59
5%
IN 45
4%
MA 44
4%
NJ 35
3%
NC 34
3%
VA 33
3%
WI 33
3%
MN 33
3%
MO 31
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188048
188148
188267
188377
188491
1885124
1886167
1887167
1888263
1889313
1890393
1891426
1892486
1893534
1894618
1895729
1896675
1897776
1898876
1899864
19001,024
1901860
1902947
1903899
1904993
19051,053
19061,083
19071,152
19081,204
19091,242
19101,346
19111,510
19121,974
19132,209
19142,683
19153,460
19163,622
19173,714
19183,923
19193,848
19203,785
19213,631
19223,510
19233,375
19243,476
19253,280
19263,152
19272,942
19282,842
19292,549
19302,491
19312,161
19322,023
19331,865
19341,837
19351,813
19361,513
19371,496
19381,412
19391,411
19401,322
19411,266
19421,317
19431,266
19441,188
19451,143
19461,206
19471,218
19481,149
19491,114
19501,112
19511,111
19521,090
19531,192
19541,219
19551,170
19561,150
19571,050
1958976
1959971
1960900
1961862
1962730
1963707
1964639
1965534
1966454
1967461
1968388
1969356
1970365
1971296
1972252
1973225
1974194
1975219
1976183
1977184
1978164
1979177
1980161
1981164
1982166
1983147
1984127
1985129
1986112
1987108
198893
1989104
1990101
199198
199299
1993103
199492
199564
199680
199766
1998102
199964
2000103
200196
2002104
2003101
2004125
2005154
2006161
2007208
2008254
2009306
2010431
2011573
2012615
2013721
2014891
20151,054
20161,059
20171,160
20181,264
20191,284
20201,221
20211,310
20221,339
20231,333
20241,351