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Av- and Ev- Names: Putting a New Spin on Ava and Evelyn

Aurra
By Aurra
Updated Thu May 25 2023
Once upon a time, not so long ago, was a time when Ava was barely on the charts and Evelyn long gone from the top 100. Now, Top Ten Ava is a contender for the number one name of the year and Evelyn is sitting comfortably at 24. Unisex Avery is enjoying slot 18 as a girl's name that has more tomboyishness than Ava. Evie, diminuitive of Evelyn, is rising fast, and has hit the coveted top 10 in the UK. Once upon a time, Av- and Ev- names were considered rare, exotic jewels. As this trend sees no signs to slowing down, many are looking for alternatives to the uber popular names that fill up three slots on kindergarten rosters. Look no further. Av- and Ev- names without a mark on the top 100 still exist.
  1. Aoife

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful, radiant"

    • Description:

      Aoife, pronounced EE-fa, is derived from the Irish word aoibh, meaning "beauty." Aoife was borne by several different heroines of ancient Irish legend. In one tale, she was the fiercest woman warrior in the world and enemy of her twin sister, Scathach.
  2. Avalon

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "island of apples"

    • Description:

      Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend--it was where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds-- and also the colorful capital of the California island of Catalina-- makes a heavenly first name. Actress Rena Sofer and British musician Julian Cope used it for their daughters.
  3. Aveline

    • Origin:

      French from German

    • Meaning:

      "desired; or island, water"

    • Description:

      Aveline is a name that's long been an obscure cousin of more widely-used choices, but may come into its own riding the tail of the megapopular Ava, which may derive from the same root.
  4. Averyl

    • Description:

      Averyl is a modern feminine variation of Averil, which itself is derived from the Old French name Avril, meaning 'April.' This elegant name combines the freshness of spring associations with a distinctive spelling that sets it apart. While relatively uncommon, Averyl has gained modest appreciation among parents seeking a unique yet accessible name with a subtle nature connection. The name's soft sound profile and graceful appearance lend it a contemporary feel while maintaining traditional roots. Its rarity makes it stand out without being difficult to pronounce or spell, giving its bearers a sense of individuality without sacrificing familiarity.

  5. Avi

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father"

    • Description:

      Avi, the short form of many Hebrew names, is often used on its own in Israel. It entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015.
  6. Avia

    • Origin:

      Latin, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "bird; God is my father"

    • Description:

      Avia is one of those multi-cultural, vowel-heavy girls' names so popular today, along with such choices as Ayla and Aya.
  7. Aviana

    • Origin:

      Variation of Avis, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bird"

    • Description:

      Aviana is a name that's kinda like the megapopular Ava, and kinda like the popular Ariana, and not quite as widely appealing as either of them. But it's on everyone's scope now as the choice of actress Amy Adams for her new daughter -- ironic as she was quoted as saying she wanted a "normal" name. Turns out that Adams was born in Aviano, Italy, explaining the mystery. The first syllable of the name can be pronounced ah, ay, or (most commonly) to rhyme with have.
  8. Avigail

    • Origin:

      Variation of Abigail

    • Meaning:

      "my father is joyful"

    • Description:

      Though Abigail has long been a very popular girls' name in the US, modern Hebrew form Avigail is rare here but among the Top 10 girls' names in Israel.
  9. Avis

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bird"

    • Description:

      Avis is a bird name that's been in hibernation for awhile, possibly due to the car rental association, but it could make a return on the wings of Ava. Baldwin brother Daniel chose it for his daughter.
  10. Aviva

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "springlike, fresh, dewy"

    • Description:

      Aviva is vivacious and memorable, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have been getting more popular since Angelina and Brad chose one for their twin daughter. Another A-beginning palindrome name: Aziza.
  11. Avril

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "April"

    • Description:

      The French Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne put the spotlight on this name when she made the charts with "Sk8er Boi". It is simply the French form of April, the fourth month of the year, whose name might derive from the Latin aperire meaning "to open" in reference to the start of spring in the Northern hemisphere. Other sources suggest it comes from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
  12. Avalee
    • Avaron
      • Avarona
        • Avasa
          • Avatara
            • Avelaine
              • Avelina
                • Avelyn
                  • Avena

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