Evelyn: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Evelyn mean and stand for?

Meaning:

English: Desired; or a variant form of Eve, meaning life or living one
German: Uncertain, possibly related to the bird name Aveline, meaning bird

Gender: Female

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Evelyn is pronounced ev-uh-lin

The name Evelyn originally derived from the French name Aveline, which was a diminutive of Ava, and means "desired" or "wished for child." It has evolved from a surname and was popularized as a first name in the English-speaking world, blending smoothly with the Victorian era's penchant for elaborate names.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English: from the Middle English, Old French female personal name Aveline, a double diminutive of the Germanic personal name Avo, from the element avi, perhaps meaning "desired", "wished for."

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Bruce Willis

Evelyn in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share the first name?

Evelyn Carnahan from The Mummy - A librarian and Egyptologist who finds herself on an adventure to stop an ancient curse.
Evelyn Harper from Two and a Half Men - The wealthy, self-absorbed mother of Charlie and Alan Harper.
Evelyn Cross Mulwray from Chinatown - A mysterious and tragic figure entangled in a complex plot regarding water rights in 1930s Los Angeles.
Evelyn Poole from Penny Dreadful - A powerful witch with a complex relationship to the main characters.
Evelyn Abbott from A Quiet Place - A mother fighting for her family's survival in a world overrun by creatures that hunt by sound.

Popularity of the Name Evelyn

According to Social Security Administration data, Evelyn has consistently been a popular name in the United States, maintaining its position within the top 10 names for several years. It has a rich historical background with notable individuals bearing the name.

Historically, Evelyn has been associated with prominent figures such as the English poet and diarist Evelyn Waugh, as well as actress Evelyn Keyes known for her role in the film Gone with the Wind. In literature, Evelyn is a name that has appeared in various works including the novel Evelina by Fanny Burney. The enduring popularity of the name Evelyn showcases its timeless charm and appeal.