Ava
AY-vuh /ˈeɪ.və/
Meaning of Ava
Ava's etymology is debated. It is widely attested as a short form of medieval Germanic names beginning with av- (Aveline, Avila), but a parallel tradition links it to the Hebrew Chava ('Eve' — life). The modern popularity is post-1990s, driven by Hollywood — Ava Gardner first, then the late-2000s revival.
Current popularity of Ava
Rankings from the most recent fully-published year in each national registry. Source links at the foot of the page.
| Registry | Year | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| United States (SSA) | 2024 | #5 |
| United Kingdom (ONS) | 2024 | #8 |
Notable bearers of Ava
Ava Gardner (actor, 1922–1990); Ava DuVernay (filmmaker).
Similar names & variants
Cognates, spelling variants and close relatives. Click any name with an underline to read its own page.
Sibling-name suggestions
Names that pair stylistically with Ava — useful as middle names or for siblings.
About this entry
Compiled by the Baby Name Finder editorial team following the rules in our Methodology and Editorial guidelines. If you spot an error, please tell us; our corrections policy is at /editorial-guidelines#corrections.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-05-31