Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Alva originates from Hebrew, meaning exalted or high. It has evolved through historical forms such as Alvah and Alva. The name is often associated with traits of uniqueness and charm, and it does not have a significant biblical relevance. Alva gained popularity in the 19th century and continues to be appreciated in modern times.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈæl.və/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Alva is derived from the Hebrew word 'alvah,' which means 'his highness' or 'exalted.'
Meaning
exalted, high
Language Evolution
Alvah, Alva
Historical Usage
Alva gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a given name and surname.
Variants & Derivatives
Alvah, Alvina, Alvie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Alva is perceived as a unique and vintage name, often associated with charm and individuality.
Famous People
Alva Adams (Governor of Colorado), Alva Myrdal (Swedish politician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate), Alva Edison (inventor and businessman)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 478 peak births in 1917
Geographic Spread
Popular across 37 US states, with strongest presence in Oklahoma
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 344th of 7545 | 4,583 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 467th of 6773 | 2,874 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 851st of 7552 | 1,461 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1521st of 10718 | 524 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3924th of 16616 | 207 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 9917th of 24088 | 87 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8427th of 23106 | 102 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 509th of 9107 | 3,243 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 672nd of 9204 | 2,003 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1187th of 12526 | 1,439 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2280th of 19264 | 575 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4061st of 27321 | 372 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8448th of 35406 | 204 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5150th of 30306 | 307 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
18.64% 264th/1416 |
45.98% 634th/1379 |
13.40% 317th/2366 |
38.44% 439th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
23.03% 356th/1546 |
53.21% 828th/1556 |
18.91% 445th/2353 |
48.74% 754th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
28.96% 645th/2227 |
54.24% 1318th/2430 |
32.11% 916th/2853 |
41.95% 1164th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
46.48% 1365th/2937 |
- |
47.36% 1666th/3518 |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
52.40% 742nd/1416 |
35.90% 495th/1379 |
19.23% 455th/2366 |
58.93% 673rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
67.40% 1042nd/1546 |
50.00% 778th/1556 |
22.86% 538th/2353 |
57.08% 883rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
68.66% 1529th/2227 |
61.93% 1505th/2430 |
33.86% 966th/2853 |
47.82% 1327th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
85.33% 2972nd/3483 |
59.21% 2083rd/3518 |
43.94% 1777th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
50.94% 2646th/5194 |
34.37% 2171st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
73.66% 5497th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
59.86% 3757th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Oklahoma across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 344th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 467th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 851st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1521st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3924th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9917th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8427th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 509th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 672nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1187th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2280th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4061st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8448th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5150th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.