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Trevor

Trevor is a masculine of Welsh origin, derived from the Trevor, which is a habitational name from places in such as the one near , ultimately meaning "big village" or "large settlement" from the words tref ("homestead" or "village") and mawr ("large"). The name gained popularity as a given name in the during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, before spreading to the in the 1960s, where it reached its peak ranking in the top 100 boys' names during the according to data. In recent years, its usage has declined; as of 2024, Trevor ranked 625th in the U.S., with 0.024% of male births. Variants include the Welsh Trefor and occasional feminine forms like Trevi, though it remains predominantly male. Notable individuals bearing the name Trevor include South African comedian and former Daily Show host (born 1984), acclaimed for his political satire and memoir ; Irish author (1928–2016), renowned for short stories and novels such as The Old Boys exploring human frailty; English theatre director (born 1940), who led the Royal Shakespeare Company and directed acclaimed productions like ; British actor (1916–1988), best known for his role in ; and American football quarterback (born 2000), who led Clemson to a national championship and was the first overall pick in 2021. These figures span entertainment, literature, sports, and more, highlighting the name's association with creative and influential personalities.

Origin and Etymology

Meaning and Derivation

The name Trevor originates from , where it derives from the place name Trefor, composed of the elements tref meaning "homestead," "settlement," or "village," and mawr (or maur in ) meaning "large" or "big." This combination translates to "large settlement" or "big village," reflecting a descriptive term for a sizable community or homestead. As a habitational name, Trevor was initially adopted as a by families residing in various Welsh locales named Trefor, notably the village of Trevor in (near ) and another in , both of which embody this etymological root. An alternative, less prevalent interpretation links Trevor to Irish Gaelic origins, where it may derive from Treabhar, an term meaning "prudent" or "discreet," suggesting connotations of wisdom or caution. However, this association is secondary to the dominant Welsh derivation and is not as widely attested in historical naming records.

Historical Usage

The Trevor emerged in medieval Wales as a locational name tied to landownership and prominent families, originating from places such as Trevor in and , denoting a "large settlement" or homestead. It traces back to figures like Tudur Trevor (fl. 940), a Welsh nobleman and son-in-law of King , who held lordships over , Whittington, and the Maelors, establishing the foundational "Tribe of the Marches" along the Welsh-English border. In the , the name appeared among the Welsh elite, as evidenced by John Trevor (d. 1357), who served as of from 1346 to 1357, reflecting its association with ecclesiastical and territorial authority. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Trevor transitioned from primarily a to a within , coinciding with the Welsh cultural that promoted native linguistic and elements. This period saw increased adoption in and beyond, influenced by the resurgence of Welsh identity through , eisteddfodau, and nationalistic movements. The name's visibility grew further in the mid-20th century through cultural icons, including actor (1916–1988), whose acclaimed roles in films like (1945) contributed to its fashionable status as a first name across the . Through 19th-century migration patterns, particularly from and , the name spread to English-speaking regions including and the . Early American records document its presence among immigrant families; for instance, the 1840 U.S. Census lists two Trevor households in , marking one of the initial concentrations of the surname in the Midwest.

Usage as a Given Name

Popularity and Distribution

The name Trevor experienced its peak popularity in the United States during the late , reaching a high of #58 in 1998 according to () data, with over 6,500 boys named Trevor that year. By 1990, it had climbed to #76, reflecting a steady rise from the 1980s when it ranked outside the top 100. However, usage has since declined significantly, dropping to #625 in 2024 with 451 occurrences, indicating a shift away from the name among newer generations. This trend aligns with broader patterns in boys' names from that era, where many peaked mid-decade before falling out of favor. In other English-speaking countries, Trevor has maintained a notable but varying presence, often tied to its Welsh roots that enhance its appeal in Celtic-influenced regions like . In the (), it was most popular in the mid-20th century, ranking in the top 100 during the 1940s to 1970s per (ONS) records, but has since fallen below the top 500, with no rankings since 2004. Similarly, in and , the name saw mid-century highs—such as top 100 status in parts of during the —and remains more common among older cohorts, with 27,485 individuals named Trevor in as of the 2021 , ranking it 224th overall. Outside Anglophone areas, Trevor is far less prevalent, rarely appearing in top name lists in non-English-speaking countries like those in or . Trevor is almost exclusively associated with males, with data showing 100% male usage over the past century and only negligible instances globally.

Notable Individuals

(born 1984) is a South African comedian, writer, and former host of (2015–2022), known for his stand-up specials and memoir (2016), which details his childhood under . (born 1940) is an English who served as of the Royal Shakespeare Company (1968–1986) and the Royal National Theatre (1997–2003). He directed major productions including (1981), (1985), and (1980). Trevor Howard (1916–1988) was a stage and film actor, acclaimed for his role as Dr. Alec Harvey in (1945), which earned him a Award. He appeared in over 70 films, including (1949). Trevor Lawrence (born 2000) is an quarterback for the . He led to a in and was selected first overall in the .

Fictional Characters

Trevor Goodchild appears as the central antagonist in the animated science-fiction series , created by and debuting on MTV's in 1991. As the authoritarian chairman of the dystopian city-state Bregna, Goodchild embodies tyranny through his obsessive scientific experiments and surveillance state, clashing with the titular spy Æon Flux in surreal, espionage-laden plots that explore themes of control, identity, and rebellion. The character recurs across the series' 16 shorts, blending villainy with ambiguous complexity as Æon's adversarial lover, and was reimagined in the 2005 live-action film , where he is portrayed as a cloned leader whose utopian vision unravels amid genetic conspiracies. Trevor Philips is a main in the 2013 video game , developed by . A volatile criminal and meth manufacturer in the fictional state of San Andreas, Philips is known for his erratic personality, dark humor, and involvement in heists, contributing to the game's satirical take on American culture and excess. Voiced by , the character has become iconic in gaming for his unhinged antics and complex backstory.

Famous Animals

One of the most notable animals named Trevor is a that became an international sensation on the remote Pacific of in 2018. Discovered in January 2018 near a roadside puddle in the capital , Trevor was the sole on the , a fact that puzzled locals as no wild ducks are native to Niue and no one claimed ownership. He quickly captured global attention as the "world's loneliest ," with residents feeding him and while he waddled around the , drawing tourists and media coverage from outlets worldwide. In late 2018, two female ducks mysteriously arrived, offering Trevor companionship and sparking hopes for a family, though he died in January 2019 from avian botulism contracted in his puddle habitat. His story inspired conservation efforts, including the establishment of Niue's first duck farm in 2020 to prevent future of waterfowl and about and habitat protection in Pacific islands. Another prominent Trevor is a German Shepherd-Rottweiler mix involved in a animal case in , , beginning in January 2008. Rescued by bylaw officers from severe abuse and neglect—chained outside a home with an ingrown collar embedded in his neck—Trevor was initially ordered euthanized under local dangerous dog bylaws after biting three people, whom advocates argued provoked him due to his traumatized state. The Humane Society intervened, leading to a protracted battle starting in 2009 that cost over $45,000 and set precedents for assessing abused animals' rather than automatic . Trevor received clemency in October 2009, living under supervised until his death from a terminal illness in March 2012. The case amplified public discourse on 's inadequate animal protection laws, contributing to calls for provincial reforms and highlighting the long-term effects of cruelty on animal . Several sea turtles named or tagged Trevor have gained attention through programs tracking . In 2022, a Kemp's ridley turtle named Trevor Munch was satellite-tagged and released off the by the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies to monitor migration and nesting patterns, aiding recovery efforts for this species. Similarly, an adult male named Trevor, identifiable by a distinctive nibble on his left flipper, was documented nesting in 's in September 2024 as part of the Turtlewatch Egypt initiative, which uses photo-identification to study and combat . These examples illustrate how the name Trevor appears in wildlife tracking, fostering public engagement with . Locally famous animals like a named Trevor at Lake Regional Park in , , have also drawn birdwatchers since the early 2020s for his vibrant plumage and hybrid behaviors, underscoring how human naming trends extend to exotic pets and escapees in urban wetlands.

Usage as a Surname

Notable Individuals

(1910–2000) was an American actress renowned for her portrayals in during the 1940s. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as the hard-edged gangster's moll Gaye in Key Largo (1948), directed by . also earned acclaim for tough, morally ambiguous characters in films such as (1944) and Born to Kill (1947), establishing her as a key figure in the genre. William Trevor (1928–2016), born William Trevor Cox in , , , was an acclaimed novelist and short story writer whose works explored the nuances of Irish rural life and human frailty. His debut novel, The Old Boys (1964), satirized the rivalries among elderly men in a and won the . Trevor's short stories, often published in , garnered multiple Awards, and he received an honorary Knight Commander of the () in 2002 for services to literature. Hugh (1914–2003), formally Baron Dacre of Glanton, was a prominent British historian specializing in and . His seminal work The Last Days of Hitler (1947), commissioned by British intelligence, provided a detailed account of the Nazi leader's final days in the based on eyewitness testimonies. 's career was marred by controversy in 1983 when, as editorial director for , he initially authenticated the forged , later proven to be a by forensic analysis, damaging his reputation. Austin Trevor (1897–1978) was a Northern best known for portraying in three early British adapting Agatha Christie's novels. He first played the detective in (1931), followed by (1931) and (1934), bringing a theatrical flair to the Belgian sleuth before the role was popularized by others. Trevor's career spanned and screen, including supporting roles in like (1939), over a period of four decades.

Fictional Characters

Steve Trevor is a prominent fictional character in DC Comics, serving as Wonder Woman's primary ally, love interest, and military liaison since his debut in All Star Comics #8 in December 1941, created by and artist Harry G. Peter. Initially portrayed as a brave U.S. Army intelligence officer who crash-lands on and introduces to the outside world, Trevor evolves into a key partner in her adventures against during and later global threats, often employing espionage tactics as a consummate soldier and spy. His role has been adapted across media, notably in the 2017 Wonder Woman, where he is depicted as a pilot aiding Diana's entry into "Man's World," highlighting themes of sacrifice and partnership before his heroic death. Trevor Goodchild appears as the central antagonist in the animated science-fiction series , created by and debuting on MTV's in 1991. As the authoritarian chairman of the dystopian city-state Bregna, Goodchild embodies tyranny through his obsessive scientific experiments and surveillance state, clashing with the titular spy Æon Flux in surreal, espionage-laden plots that explore themes of control, identity, and rebellion. The character recurs across the series' 16 shorts, blending villainy with ambiguous complexity as Æon's adversarial lover, and was reimagined in the 2005 live-action film , where he is portrayed as a cloned leader whose utopian vision unravels amid genetic conspiracies. Colonel Steve Trevor Jr., the son of the original Steve Trevor, emerges as a recurring associate in Wonder Woman stories during the 1970s, particularly in the context of espionage-driven narratives tied to Cold War-era threats. Introduced to refresh the dynamic after the senior Trevor's death in comics continuity, he operates as a high-ranking military officer involved in covert operations, frequently collaborating with Diana Prince on missions for agencies like the Inter-Agency Defense Command, emphasizing intergenerational heroism and spy intrigue in post-Vietnam tales. This version gained cultural prominence through the 1977-1979 television series The New Adventures of Wonder Woman, where he bridges the WWII origins with modern adventures, portrayed by Lyle Waggoner alongside his father's role.

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