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Laverne

♀ Girl

Pronounced luh-VURN /ləˈvɜːrn/High

Meaning: A French name, usually explained from la verne, 'the alder' or 'alder grove' — a place name turned surname turned given name. Separately, Laverna was a minor Roman goddess, associated in Roman writing with thieves; the connection is one of sound and spelling, and we mention it neutrally.Low

In 30 seconds: A French name usually read as 'of the alder grove' (said 'luh-VURN'). A Roman goddess Laverna also bore the sound.

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Origin MediumFrench, Latin

MeaningA French name, usually explained from la verne, 'the alder' or 'alder grove' — a place name turned surname turned given name. Separately, Laverna was a minor Roman goddess, associated in Roman writing with thieves; the connection is one of sound and spelling, and we mention it neutrally.

U.S. rank (2003)#17225 ↘ Falling

2003 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1924

Total births (all-time)≈ 42,869

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Laverne is a French name, generally traced to la verne, 'the alder,' a tree-and-place name that became a surname and then a given name. It was a favourite in mid-century America, later fixed in memory by the television series Laverne and Shirley. The Roman goddess Laverna shares the sound; the link is not a descent, and we say so plainly (said 'luh-VURN').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. today. Rare now, mid-century, and sturdy.

Did you know? Two facts sit side by side here. Laverne is usually explained from the French for an alder grove — and Laverna was a minor Roman goddess whom writers associated with thieves. We note both, neutrally, and let you choose which to carry.

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Laverne — French 'la verne', alder; Roman goddess Laverna noted neutrally

Variations

LaVerneLavernLaverna

Nicknames

VernVernaLala

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Laverne…

Verna— the core of the name

Lorraine— a like French mid-century pick

Maxine— a like vintage American name

Darlene— a like -ene generation name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Laverne mean?

Laverne is usually explained from the French la verne, 'the alder' or 'alder grove.' A Roman goddess Laverna shares the sound.

How do you pronounce Laverne?

It's said luh-VURN /ləˈvɜːrn/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Laverne a boy or girl name?

Laverne is used mainly as a girl's name, though it has occasionally been given to boys.

How popular is Laverne?

Laverne is rare for girls in the U.S. today, though it was well used in the mid-twentieth century.