Elva
2025 SSA
Below 5 births
About Elva
Elva is a multicultural choice, being both an anglicization of the Irish Ailbhe and an feminine form of the name Alf, meaning "elf". Popular in the US at the beginning of the 20th century, it remained in the charts until the 1970s before falling out of favor.
The alternative form Alva has faired slightly better, while in Ireland, Ailbhe remains the preferred spelling. Nevertheless, Elva combines the sounds of Elsa, Ella, Eva, and Ever and may also appeal to those expecting a baby at Christmas. In fact, around 40 babies are still given the name every year.
It should also be noted that Elva is occasionally used as a short form of Elvira ("white, fair; happy spear") and could additionally be related to the Norwegian elv meaniing "river".
Elva is also given to boys.
Pronounced EL-vuh.
As of October 2026, Elva ranked #3665 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #161 in 1901, Nameberry popularity #640.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · girls | Births · girls | US rank · boys | Births · boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #3,606 | 43 | — | 0 |
| 2015 | #3,549 | 44 | — | 0 |
| 2016 | #3,072 | 54 | — | 0 |
| 2017 | #3,316 | 48 | — | 0 |
| 2018 | #3,261 | 49 | — | 0 |
| 2019 | #3,184 | 50 | — | 0 |
| 2020 | #3,413 | 45 | — | 0 |
| 2021 | #4,120 | 35 | — | 0 |
| 2022 | #3,722 | 41 | — | 0 |
| 2023 | #3,925 | 38 | — | 0 |
| 2024 | #3,703 | 41 | — | 0 |
| 2025 | #3,665 | 41 | — | 0 |
World rankings
Elva for girls
Similar names
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Elva on lists
Famous Elvas
- Elva HsiaoGirl
Taiwanese pop singer
- Elva Elizabeth GoulbourneGirl
Jamaican Olympic long jumper
- Elva DryerGirl
American Olympic runner
- Elva Roscoe KendallGirl
male U.S. Congressman from Kentucky
- Elva Ruby Connes MillerGirl
American novelty singer
- Elva NampeyoGirl
American studio potter
- Elva DornanGirl
daughter of actor Jamie Dornan & musician Amelia Warner
Elva in pop culture
- ElvaGirl
character in the Inheritance Cycle books by Christopher Paolini