After doing nothing but analyzing my boy name list the last couple days, I still cannot shake this name! It’s been my favorite for so long + I think it will always feel like “the one” to me. 
I know it’s not a fan favorite, but I love all 3 versions. This name reminds me of green and ferns, while still giving an old man vibe/retro coolness. 
I’d love some feedback on which one you prefer and what would work best on a real baby!
I like [name_m]Vernon[/name_m] a lot, it reads retro chic to me. I agree with you on the ferny-associations. I think [name_m]Verne[/name_m] with this spelling would be the favourite if I had to choose. Nothing wrong with the more succinct [name_m]Vern[/name_m], sometimes I just like an extra E to give a name a more symmetrical effect (like [name_f]Nelle[/name_f] vs Nel). [name_f][/name_f] [name_m]Verne[/name_m] & [name_m]Vern[/name_m] are pretty cool imo 
I can see both [name_m]Vernon[/name_m] and Vern(e) on a little one. If you like both just as much I’d be tempted to use [name_m]Vernon[/name_m] with opportunity to use nn [name_m]Vern[/name_m].
@EdgeOfTheMeadow[name_f][/name_f] thank you so much for your thoughtful response!! It’s refreshing to hear some positive feedback on the name 
[name_f][/name_f] I totally agree on the “e” at the end, it makes it look a little more complete to me!
I like [name_m]Vernon[/name_m] and get the same imagery as you! [name_m]Vernon[/name_m] feels the most complete to me out of the choices
@rosajune[name_f][/name_f] thank you 
[name_f][/name_f] I agree, it’s the most complete and obviously can be easily shortened to a nickname!
I like [name_m]Verne[/name_m]! [name_m]Handsome[/name_m] and tough, but earthy and literary too 
I think I like [name_m]Vernon[/name_m] the best for you! It has that retro, cosy, gentle, sweet boy name vibe that I associate with your list, and Vern(e) can always be a nickname!
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Vern[/name_m] looks unfinished to me, and while I really like [name_m]Verne[/name_m] I think it has a different vibe! It feels old-timey, adventurous and a bit academia/literary because I associate it so much with [name_m]Jules[/name_m] Verne’s fantasy novels. I’m not sure how well known he is where you’re from, but he’s a very mainstream association where I live!
@Greyblue[name_f][/name_f] that is exactly the vibe I get. You put it into words perfectly!
@tallemaja[name_f][/name_f] you putting this into words reallyyy helps me. You’re right, [name_m]Verne[/name_m] is more literary, I couldn’t put my finger on that! Thanks so much!!
I voted for [name_m]Verne[/name_m]. But wanted to say I know a preschooler with the middle name [name_m]Vernon[/name_m]! I believe he was named for his grandfather or great grandfather.
@columbiacharm[name_f][/name_f] great to know!! Thank you so much!