Ava
Ava Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈeɪ.və/
Meaning of Ava: Ava has two probable origins: a medieval Germanic short form of names beginning with the element av- (possibly related to Old High German avi meaning “life” or “water”); or a Latin variant of Eva (Eve), the Hebrew name Chava meaning “life.” The medieval Saint Ava (c.
845–918), a Frankish princess and abbess at Dinart in Belgium, bore the name in its Germanic form. In English use, Ava also functions as a diminutive of Aveline or Avelina, a Norman French name of uncertain Germanic origin.
The American actress Ava Gardner (1922–1990), born in Smithfield, North Carolina, was one of the most celebrated Hollywood stars of the 1940s–1960s. Gardner appeared in Mogambo (1953), The Barefoot Contessa (1954), and On the Beach (1959), and her glamour and independent personality made her an iconic Hollywood figure.
What Does Ava Mean? Origin & Etymology
Her name was familiar to American audiences through the mid-20th century, but the modern Ava revival was not directly driven by her—it emerged independently through a broader preference for short, vowel-ending names.
Ava ranked in the US SSA top 5 from approximately 2005 to 2023, reaching number 1 in 2013. It is one of the most successful names of the 21st century in the United States and similarly popular in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
The name’s success reflects a convergence of factors: short length, clear pronunciation, vowel ending, classical antecedents, and the positive celebrity association. Ava is now firmly established as one of the defining given names of the 2000s and 2010s generation.
Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
Numerology & Symbolism of Ava
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Ava – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Ava
What does Ava mean?
How popular is Ava?
Ava ranked in the US top 5 for girls from 2005 through the 2010s and remains in the top 10. It is one of the most popular girls' names of the 21st century.
Is Ava a girl or boy name?
Ava is exclusively a feminine name, used for girls across all English-speaking countries.