Raven Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Raven has its roots in Old English, derived from 'hræfn', meaning a large black bird. It evolved through Middle English into its current form and is associated with traits of intelligence and mystery. The name has no biblical relevance and saw a rise in popularity in the 19th century. Variants include Ravyn and Ravynn, and it is perceived as unique and creative today, often linked to notable figures in entertainment.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Raven"
Pronunciation
/ˈreɪvən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name 'Raven' originates from the Old English word 'hræfn', which refers to the bird known for its black plumage and intelligence.
Meaning
The name signifies a large, black bird known for its cunning and intelligence.
Language Evolution
Old English: hræfn, Middle English: raven, Modern English: Raven
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, often associated with the literary works that featured the raven as a symbol of mystery and intelligence.
Variants & Derivatives
Ravyn, Ravynn, Rav
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Raven is often viewed as unique and strong, associated with creativity and individuality. It has gained a certain mystical connotation in popular culture.
Famous People
Raven-Symoné, American actress and singer, Raven Goodwin, American actress, Raven Reyes, a fictional character from the TV series The 100
📊 Raven Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Raven Name Visualizations
✨ Raven Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,394 peak births in 1993
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Louisiana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Raven" - Complete Guide (6 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Raven". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 6 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Raven" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Raven"
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 of "Raven"
"Raven" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4615th of 6773 | 34 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3212th of 7552 | 126 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2923rd of 10718 | 190 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1570th of 16616 | 801 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1418th of 24088 | 1,639 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2931st of 23106 | 495 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 6604th of 9204 | 22 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4478th of 12526 | 147 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1142nd of 19264 | 1,684 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 266th of 27321 | 17,101 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 307th of 35406 | 16,525 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 440th of 30306 | 8,656 |
Regional Popularity of "Raven" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
43.74% 1612th/3685 |
67.73% 3031st/4475 |
29.73% 1544th/5194 |
27.77% 1754th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
30.69% 1406th/4582 |
38.30% 1978th/5164 |
21.07% 1541st/7313 |
19.04% 1421st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
58.47% 3989th/6822 |
41.40% 2598th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Raven" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 2775th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
33.09% 972nd/2937 |
39.36% 1371st/3483 |
22.68% 798th/3518 |
32.47% 1313th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
7.41% 273rd/3685 |
9.14% 409th/4475 |
3.12% 162nd/5194 |
8.06% 509th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
6.11% 280th/4582 |
8.35% 431st/5164 |
2.94% 215th/7313 |
7.38% 551st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
9.66% 385th/3984 |
12.26% 550th/4487 |
6.22% 424th/6822 |
7.86% 493rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Raven"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Raven" 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 of "Raven" in the United States
The name Raven is most popular in Louisiana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South 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, Raven 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, too falling 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, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Raven' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4615th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3212th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2923rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1570th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1418th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2931st out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6604th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4478th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1142nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 266th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 307th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 440th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Raven' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.