Av- and Ev- Names: Putting a New Spin on Ava and Evelyn
By Aurra
Updated Thu May 25 2023
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Once upon a time, not so long ago, was a time when Ava was barely on the charts and Evelyn long gone from the top 100. Now, Top Ten Ava is a contender for the number one name of the year and Evelyn is sitting comfortably at 24. Unisex Avery is enjoying slot 18 as a girl's name that has more tomboyishness than Ava. Evie, diminuitive of Evelyn, is rising fast, and has hit the coveted top 10 in the UK.
Once upon a time, Av- and Ev- names were considered rare, exotic jewels. As this trend sees no signs to slowing down, many are looking for alternatives to the uber popular names that fill up three slots on kindergarten rosters. Look no further. Av- and Ev- names without a mark on the top 100 still exist.
- Aoife
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"beautiful, radiant"Description:
Aoife, pronounced EE-fa, is derived from the Irish word aoibh, meaning "beauty." Aoife was borne by several different heroines of ancient Irish legend. In one tale, she was the fiercest woman warrior in the world and enemy of her twin sister, Scathach.
- Avalon
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"island of apples"Description:
Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend--it was where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds-- and also the colorful capital of the California island of Catalina-- makes a heavenly first name. Actress Rena Sofer and British musician Julian Cope used it for their daughters.
- Aveline
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"desired; or island, water"Description:
Aveline is a name that's long been an obscure cousin of more widely-used choices, but may come into its own riding the tail of the megapopular Ava, which may derive from the same root.
- Averyl
- Avi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"father"Description:
Avi, the short form of many Hebrew names, is often used on its own in Israel. It entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015.
- Avia
Origin:
Latin, HebrewMeaning:
"bird; God is my father"
- Aviana
Origin:
Variation of Avis, LatinMeaning:
"bird"Description:
Aviana is a name that's kinda like the megapopular Ava, and kinda like the popular Ariana, and not quite as widely appealing as either of them. But it's on everyone's scope now as the choice of actress Amy Adams for her new daughter -- ironic as she was quoted as saying she wanted a "normal" name. Turns out that Adams was born in Aviano, Italy, explaining the mystery. The first syllable of the name can be pronounced ah, ay, or (most commonly) to rhyme with have.
- Avigail
Origin:
Variation of AbigailMeaning:
"my father is joyful"Description:
Though Abigail has long been a very popular girls' name in the US, modern Hebrew form Avigail is rare here but among the Top 10 girls' names in Israel.
- Avis
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"bird"Description:
Avis is a bird name that's been in hibernation for awhile, possibly due to the car rental association, but it could make a return on the wings of Ava. Baldwin brother Daniel chose it for his daughter.
- Aviva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"springlike, fresh, dewy"Description:
Aviva is vivacious and memorable, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have been getting more popular since Angelina and Brad chose one for their twin daughter. Another A-beginning palindrome name: Aziza.
- Avril
Origin:
French variation of AprilDescription:
French Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne has put the spotlight on her name.
- Avalee
- Avaron
- Avarona
- Avasa
- Avatara
- Avelaine
- Avelina
- Avelyn
- Avena