trevor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (as a common noun; high frequency as a proper noun within English-speaking communities where it is used).Formal when used as a given name; informal if used as a placeholder name or archetype.
Quick answer
What does “trevor” mean?
A male given name of Welsh origin, meaning 'large settlement' or 'homestead'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A male given name of Welsh origin, meaning 'large settlement' or 'homestead'.
As a proper noun, it refers to a specific person. It carries no inherent extended lexical meaning, though it may be used informally to refer to a stereotypical or archetypal figure (e.g., a friendly, average man).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The name is common in both the UK and US, but its peak popularity was in the UK in the mid-20th century. In the US, it is sometimes perceived as slightly more formal or old-fashioned.
Connotations
In the UK, it can have working-class or down-to-earth connotations (e.g., 'Lad from the pub'). In the US, it may lack specific class connotations but can be seen as a 'gentleman's' name.
Frequency
More historically frequent in the UK. Ranked within the top 100 boys' names in England/Wales from the 1930s to 1960s; less common in the US Top 1000 in recent decades.
Grammar
How to Use “trevor” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] + [Verb] (e.g., Trevor left).[Determiner] + Trevor + [Noun] (e.g., This is Trevor's car).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trevor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal introductions (e.g., 'This is Trevor from Marketing').
Academic
May appear in sociological texts as an example of a culturally specific name.
Everyday
Used to address or refer to a person named Trevor.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trevor”
- Using 'Trevor' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a trevor').
- Misspelling as 'Trever' or 'Treavor'.
- Incorrect pluralisation (e.g., 'Trevors' is only used to refer to multiple people with that name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Trevor is exclusively a proper noun (a given name).
Informally and metaphorically, yes (e.g., 'He's a real Trevor'), but this is non-standard and highly context-dependent. It's not found in formal writing.
In American English, it is pronounced /ˈtrɛv.ɚ/, with a rhotic 'r' sound at the end.
It is of Welsh origin, derived from 'tre(f)' meaning 'homestead, settlement' and 'mawr' meaning 'large'.
A male given name of Welsh origin, meaning 'large settlement' or 'homestead'.
Trevor is usually formal when used as a given name; informal if used as a placeholder name or archetype. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Trevor loves to TRAVEL OVER large settlements (the etymological meaning).
Conceptual Metaphor
A NAME IS A CONTAINER FOR IDENTITY; A TYPICAL PERSON IS A NAME (when used as an archetype).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Trevor' used as an archetype?