Boy · 344th of 7,545
Alva
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
20,130
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1917
Peak Popularity Year
478
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Alva stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
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
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
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
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |