Girl · 237th of 9,107
Elva
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
32,471
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1918
Peak Popularity Year
818
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Elva stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Elva is an Old Irish name that means 'bright' or 'white'. It evolved from the Old Irish 'ailbhe' and has been used in various forms over time. The name is associated with positive traits such as brightness and charm, and it does not have a biblical background. Elva has gained popularity since the 19th century, especially among Irish communities, and is currently viewed as an elegant and vintage name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛlvə/
Origin
Old Irish
Etymology
The name Elva is derived from the Old Irish word 'ailbhe', which means 'white, bright'. It has connections to the Irish word for 'elf' as well.
Meaning
bright, white
Language Evolution
Ailbhe, Elva
Historical Usage
Elva gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in Ireland and among Irish communities abroad.
Variants & Derivatives
Alva, Elvie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Elva is perceived as a charming and somewhat vintage name, often associated with elegance and simplicity.
Famous People
Elva Hsiao, Elva D. M. B. Zhi
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
Moderately Popular name with 818 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 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 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1566th of 7545 | 360 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1883rd of 6773 | 272 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3302nd of 7552 | 116 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 237th of 9107 | 13,642 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 350th of 9204 | 6,543 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 637th of 12526 | 4,169 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1113th of 19264 | 1,732 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1803rd of 27321 | 1,167 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3215th of 35406 | 769 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3552nd of 30306 | 528 |