The name Alva is a girl's name of Irish origin meaning "white; elf".

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While the male Alva or Alvah relates directly to the minor Biblical character, the female version is more likely an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ailbhe, or a feminine form the name Alf (and Alf- beginning names), popular in its native Sweden and Norway. Best known as Thomas Edison's middle name, Alva has true unisex roots. 

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Alva

Irish

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The name Alva is currently ranked #981 in U.S. births. and peaked for girls at #334 in 1896. It is currently rising in popularity. The name is most popular in ALVA, ALVA, and ALVA. Alva is occasionally used for boys in 2025.

Ailbhe

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The name Alva is a boy's name of Hebrew, Spanish origin meaning "his highness".

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Edison's middle name is a fabulous option for parents looking for something with history and a soft sound. This could be the name you're looking for if you like Tesla's scientific pedigree but think that it has become too corporate with the advent of Elon Musk's company.

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The name Alva is currently ranked #947 in U.S. births. and peaked for boys at #162 in 1882. It is currently rising in popularity. Alva is occasionally used for girls in 2025.

Alban

Year	US rank	Births	Per million
2014	—	0	0
2015	—	0	0
2016	#4,999	27	15.2
2017	—	0	0
2018	#4,775	28	16.5
2019	#4,349	32	19.1
2020	#3,614	41	25.4
2021	#4,619	29	17.7
2022	#4,676	29	17.7
2023	—	0	0
2024	#4,465	31	19.1
2025	—	0	0

Alva

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