The nameAva
Ava is a short girl's name with an old Germanic background and a Hollywood glow. It has been a top 10 name in the United States since 2005.
- Girl's name
- Germanic
Meaning
The meaning of Ava is uncertain. It is often linked to the Germanic element avi, of unclear sense, and sometimes to Eve, from the Hebrew Chavah, "living" or "life".
Origin
Germanic, as a medieval name. Saint Ava (or Avia), a 9th century abbess in Hainaut, in today's Belgium, is one of its earliest bearers.
History
The actress Ava Gardner, star of the 1940s and 1950s, made the name famous. It came back strongly in the 2000s, entering the top 10 in the United States in 2005 and reaching the top 3 in England and Wales.
Did you know?
- Ava Gardner was married to Frank Sinatra from 1951 to 1957.
- Ava DuVernay was the first Black woman nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Director, for Selma.
Famous people named Ava
- Ava Gardner, actress
- Ava DuVernay, film director
- Ava Max, singer
Popularity of the name Ava
Ava in the United States
Ava was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 155,983 births over the decade, 46% of all recorded babies named Ava. Its rise began around 2001, and it peaked in 2007. Half of all babies named Ava in the United States were born before 2012, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 11,118 births a year on average, against 15,679 in the five years before.
Ava in the United Kingdom
Ava was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 38,580 births over the decade, 59% of all recorded babies named Ava. Its rise began around 2005, and it peaked in 2012. Half of all babies named Ava in the United Kingdom were born before 2015, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 2,337 births a year on average, against 3,474 in the five years before.
Ava in Ireland
Ava in France
Ava in Belgium
Ava in Switzerland
Ava in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Ava
Names from the same generation as Ava, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Ava? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Ava with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Ava side by side with the name of your choice.
Ava in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ava mean?
The meaning of Ava is uncertain. It is often linked to the Germanic element avi, of unclear sense, and sometimes to Eve, from the Hebrew Chavah, "living" or "life".
What is the origin of the name Ava?
Germanic, as a medieval name. Saint Ava (or Avia), a 9th century abbess in Hainaut, in today's Belgium, is one of its earliest bearers.
Is Ava a girl's or a boy's name?
Ava is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Ava?
In 2024, Ava was the 9th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 8,662 births.
What are the variants of the name Ava?
Variants and related names of Ava include Awa.
What are good sibling names for Ava?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Ella, Emma, Mia and Lily for a sister, Aiden, Owen, Jackson and Carter for a brother.
Who are famous people named Ava?
Ava Gardner, actress; Ava DuVernay, film director; Ava Max, singer.