Evelyn
Evelyn: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɛvəlɪn/ · /ˈiːvlɪn/
Meaning and origin of Evelyn
- A female given name from the Germanic languages.
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
From Middle English forms of the Old French female name Aveline, diminutive of the Germanic root *avi-, of uncertain meaning, possibly “desired, wished for“ (compare Latin avēre, "to wish for") or aval “strength”. By folk etymology also misunderstood as a diminutive of the feminine given name Eve, q.v. Doublet of Eileen. Also compare Ava.
How popular is Evelyn?
Since 1880, 639,756 girls and 1,906 boys in the U.S. have been named Evelyn (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #8 in 2024. Its highest rank for boys was #787 in 1907. In 2025 it ranked #8 for girls, with 9,131 babies given the name.
Names similar to Evelyn
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic girl names
Sibling name ideas for Evelyn
Sister and brother names that share Evelyn's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Evelyn FAQ
What does the name Evelyn mean?
A female given name from the Germanic languages. A male given name transferred from the surname. From Middle English forms of the Old French female name Aveline, diminutive of the Germanic root *avi-, of uncertain meaning, possibly “desired, wished for“ (compare Latin avēre, "to wish for") or aval “strength”. By folk etymology also misunderstood as a diminutive of the feminine given name Eve, q.v. Doublet of Eileen. Also compare Ava.
What is the origin of the name Evelyn?
Evelyn is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Evelyn?
Since 1880, 639,756 girls and 1,906 boys in the U.S. have been named Evelyn (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #8 in 2024. Its highest rank for boys was #787 in 1907. In 2025 it ranked #8 for girls, with 9,131 babies given the name.
Is Evelyn a boy or girl name?
Evelyn is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 639,756 girls and 1,906 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.