Ava is a name of uncertain origin that means ‘lively’ or ‘bird’. Thought to be derived from the Latin word ‘avis’, it is a popular name for baby girls that has become widely used for its simplicity and timeless appeal.
With several interpretations across various cultures, the name is also considered to be linked back to Hebrew, Persian, and German roots. The name Ava is thought to be a variant of the name Eve which comes from the Hebrew word chavah meaning ‘life’ or ‘lively’.
Ava can also be connected to the Persian word âvā which means ‘water’ or ‘ocean’. In addition, in medieval Germany, the name is a short form of Adelheid or Adalheidic meaning ‘noble kind’.
- Name Origin: Unknown (possibly German, Latin, or Hebrew)
- Name Meaning: bird-like, lively, or noble kind
- Pronunciation: Ay – Vuh
- Gender: Female
How Popular is the Name Ava?
Since the start of the 20th century, Ava has remained in the top 1000 most popular girls’ names in the USA. The popularity of this name was in decline until the late 1940s when it had a resurgence and started climbing up the charts.
Social Security Data shows that Ava reached its peak in 2020, ranking at number 4. In 2021, 12759 baby girls were born and given the cute name Ava.
Name Variations
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
| Avis | Bird | Latin |
| Avah | Source of life | Hebrew |
| Eva | Life | Hebrew |
| Aiva | To live | English |
| Avina | From the oat field | Latin |
| Avalon | Island of apples | Celtic |
| Eve | Life | English |
Other Girl Names With Unknown Origins
| Name | Meaning |
| Breynne | Hill |
| Bryleigh | Gracious |
| Kortniey | Caring and honest |
| Krin | Beautiful and loving |
| Elon Marie | Gentle |
| Dorise | Loving |
| Kaidance | Rhythm |
Alternative Girl Names Starting with ‘A’
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
| Aria | Song or melody | Italian |
| Abigail | My father is joy | Hebrew |
| Anna | Grace | Hebrew |
| Ariana | Most holy | Portuguese |
| Adeline | Little blessed one | Latin |
| Autumn | The season of Autumn | Latin |
| Athena | Goddess of wisdom and warfare | Greek |
Famous People Named Ava
- Saint Ava – 10th-century saint.
- Ava Gardener – American actress.
- Ava Allan – American actress.
- Ava Ohlgren – Professional American swimmer.
- Ava Leigh – British reggae singer.
- Ava Barber – American singer.