Evelyn

EEV-lin; EV-uh-lin

English

"desired; or water, island"

Evelyn Origin and Meaning

The name Evelyn is a boy's name of English origin meaning "desired; or water, island".

Renowned English author Evelyn Waugh pronounced his name "EEV-lin" (fun fact: his first wife, also named Evelyn, was referred to as "She-velyn"). But "EV-uh-lin" also works, and is probably the most familiar pronunciation of the name today.

It may be a Top 10 pick for girls right now, but in the 17th century, it was given more often to boys – as a surname name originally derived from the Norman given name Aveline. It was especially popular among the upper classes, where family surnames as given names were well used.

Evelyn relates to the Norman French female name Aveline, the origins of which are not entirely clear. Theories include "desired" and "water, island".

Evelyn Rank in US Top 1000

# 960 in the US

Evelyn Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

# 471 on Nameberry

Popularity of the name Evelyn

• 471 Nameberry 2025

20 Names Similar to Evelyn

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Famous People Named Evelyn

• (Arthur) Evelyn St. John Waugh English novelist
• Evelyn Robert Adrian de Rothschild English financier
• Evelyn Leighton son of British author Marie Leighton, brother to poet Roland Leighton and artist Claire Leighton
• Richard Evelyn Byrd American naval officer and explorer

The name Evelyn in Pop Culture

• Theodore Evelyn "Ted" Mosby character on TV's "How I Met Your Mother"
• Evelyn Napier suitor of Lady Mary Crawley on TV's "Downton Abbey"
• Crabtree and Evelyn retailer of bath and body products
• Evelyn Sader character in children's book series "The School for Good and Evil"

International Variations of the name Evelyn

• Evie hebrew, "life"