Avril
Avril Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/a.vʁil/
Meaning of Avril: Avril is the French word for April, the fourth month of the year, derived from Latin Aprilis, traditionally connected to the Latin verb aperire meaning “to open”—suggesting the opening or blossoming of spring.
The Latin month name may alternatively derive from the Etruscan goddess Apru (a form of Aphrodite/Venus), making April a month of love and fertility in the Roman calendar.
Avril as a given name follows the French tradition of using month and season names as first names, particularly for children born in April.
What Does Avril Mean? Origin & Etymology
Avril serves as a given name in British and French-speaking communities since at least the early 20th century. In Britain, it was adopted by families who valued the French form over the English April, giving it a slightly Continental distinction.
The Welsh poet and painter Avril Lavigne (born 1984)—the Canadian singer-songwriter who rose to fame with her album Let Go (2002) and singles “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi”—brought the name to global attention through her extraordinary commercial success as a teenage musician.
Avril peaked in US SSA records in 2005, corresponding to Lavigne’s peak commercial period. It is used in the United States primarily among families with French Canadian, British, or French heritage, and among fans of Lavigne who associate the name specifically with her persona.
The French form distinguishes it from the English April while sharing the same spring month meaning, offering parents a French variant with a specific Canadian-British musical association alongside its seasonal etymology. Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
Numerology & Symbolism of Avril
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Avril – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Avril
What does Avril mean?
Avril is the French form of April, from Latin Aprilis, possibly from Etruscan apru (a form of Aphrodite) or from Latin aperire meaning to open - referring to flowers opening in spring. Avril Lavigne (born 1984) made the name recognizable globally.
How popular is Avril?
Avril has been in modest use in English-speaking countries since the 1990s. Avril Lavigne's success from 2002 onward brought it wider recognition and drew parents who associate the name with her edgy-pop image.
Is Avril a girl or boy name?
Avril is exclusively a feminine name, a French feminine month name.
What are variants of Avril?
Variants include April (the English form), Aprile (Italian), and Abrielle (a separate creation influenced by April). Avril is the French form most associated with Lavigne.