The name Evelyn, derived from the surname Aveline, enjoys a surprising unisex history, though it currently shines brightest as a beloved name for girls. Meaning "beauty" or "beautiful bird," Evelyn carries an inherent grace and charm that resonates across generations.
A Surge in Popularity
Evelyn experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, cracking the U.S. Top 10 in 2017 for the first time since 1915. This ascent can be attributed to several factors, including its classic appeal, the fashionable "-lyn" ending (shared with names like Madelyn and Adelyn), and the trendy "V" sound prominent in popular choices such as Olivia and Ava. Its delicate sound makes it undeniably feminine, holding its own amongst ultra-girly names like Isabella and Sophia.
From Surname to First Name
For parents drawn to the surname-as-first-name trend but hesitant about traditional surnames like Spencer or Mavis, Evelyn presents an ideal compromise. While technically a surname, it’s far more recognizable as a given name today.
Nicknames and Related Names
The versatility of Evelyn extends to its abundant nickname options, including Evy, Ev, and Lynn. A host of related "Ev-" names offer further choices, such as Evelina, Eva, Eve, and Evie. Names with similar vintage charm include Charlotte, Amelia, and Violet.
Evelyn Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
The popularity of Evelyn has ebbed and flowed throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, showcasing a fascinating trend.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 17 | 3,766 | 1.0696% |
| 1915 | 10 | 11,594 | 1.2761% |
| 1940 | 48 | 4,981 | 0.4686% |
| 1970 | 214 | 1,443 | 0.0907% |
| 2000 | 150 | 2,205 | 0.1443% |
| 2010 | 39 | 5,840 | 0.4053% |
| 2017 | 9 | 10,675 | 0.7648% |
| 2023 | 9 | 9,113 | 0.7041% |
As demonstrated by the data, Evelyn enjoyed significant popularity in the early 20th century, reaching rank 10 in 1915. Popularity declined throughout the mid-20th century, reaching a low point in the 1970s. The name has since experienced a dramatic resurgence, consistently ranking within the top 10 names since 2017. This demonstrates Evelyn’s ability to transcend generations and remain relevant in a constantly evolving landscape of names.
In 2023, Evelyn remained a top-10 name in the U.S., with 9,113 births representing 0.7041% of all female births.
Alternatives to Evelyn
Considering other names with a similar feel to Evelyn? Explore these options:
Diminutives:
- Eva (Hebrew, "life")
- Eve (Latin, "life, animal")
- Evie (English, "life")
- Lynn (Spanish, "lake, waterfall, pool")
Variants:
- Aveline (French, "hazelnut")
- Evalyn
- Evelien (Dutch, "form of Evelyn")
- Evelin
- Evelina (Latin, "a variant form of Eveline")
- Evelynn (English, "desired one")
- Evelynne
Sound-Alike Names:
- Adeline (German, "noble one")
- Avril (Latin, "to open")
- Emerson (English, "son of Emery")
- Evangeline (English, "good news")
- Madeline (English, "woman from Magdala")
Similar Names:
- Adelaide (German, "noble one")
- Charlotte (French, "free man")
- Diana (Latin, "heavenly and divine")
- Eleanor (English, of unknown meaning)
- Elizabeth (Hebrew, "God is my oath")
- Ellen (Greek, "sun ray, shining light")
- Hannah (Hebrew, "grace")
- Helena (Greek, "sun ray, shining light")
- Ruby (English, "red gemstone")
- Sarah (Hebrew, "princess")
Sibling Names
Parents who choose Evelyn for their daughters often select these names for siblings:
- Amelia (German, "work")
- Ethan (Hebrew, "enduring and strong")
- Caleb (Hebrew, "whole heart")
- Dalton (English, "valley town")
- Wyatt (English, "brave in battle")
- Cristian (English, "follower of Christ")
- Johana (Hebrew, "God is gracious")
- Eliza (English, "God is my oath")
- Jesse (Hebrew, "gift")
- Samuel (Hebrew, "name of God")
- Lorelei (German, "the enchantress")
Evelyn is a name that effortlessly blends classic charm with modern appeal. Its beautiful meaning, versatility, and historical significance make it a truly timeless choice for a baby girl.