Evelyn

EEV-lin; EV-uh-lin
English
"desired; or water, island"

Evelyn Origin and Meaning

The name Evelyn is a boy's name of English origin meaning "desired; or water, island".

Renowned English author Evelyn Waugh pronounced his name "EEV-lin" (fun fact: his first wife, also named Evelyn, was referred to as "She-velyn"). But "EV-uh-lin" also works, and is probably the most familiar pronunciation of the name today.

It may be a Top 10 pick for girls right now, but in the 17th century, it was given more often to boys – as a surname name originally derived from the Norman given name Aveline. It was especially popular among the upper classes, where family surnames as given names were well used.

Evelyn relates to the Norman French female name Aveline, the origins of which are not entirely clear. Theories include "desired" and "water, island".

# 960 in the US

Evelyn Rank in US Top 1000

# 477 on Nameberry

Evelyn Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Evelyn Popularity

Famous People Named Evelyn

  • (Arthur) Evelyn St. John Waugh
    English novelist
  • Evelyn Robert Adrian de Rothschild
    English financier
  • Evelyn Leighton
    son of British author Marie Leighton, brother to poet Roland Leighton and artist Claire Leighton
  • Richard Evelyn Byrd
    American naval officer and explorer

Evelyn in Pop Culture

  • Theodore Evelyn "Ted" Mosby
    character on TV's "How I Met Your Mother"
  • Evelyn Napier
    suitor of Lady Mary Crawley on TV's "Downton Abbey"
  • Crabtree and Evelyn
    retailer of bath and body products