What does Ava mean and where does it come from?
The name Ava has roots in Latin, derived from 'avis', meaning 'bird'. It symbolizes freedom and the spirit of nature. Ava has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries, ranking among the top names for girls. The name has been associated with notabl
Cultural significance
Ava has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of life.
Peak popularity
Reached #3 in 2016 — currently #8 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ava?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ava?
Ava works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ava Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ava Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ava Claire
French influence · crisp
Ava Jane
Literary · strong
Ava Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ava right now?
Holding steady — currently #8 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8 | 9,724 | ▼ down 1 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #7 | 11,105 | ▼ down 2 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #5 | 12,867 | ▼ down 2 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #3 | 13,084 | ▲ up 1 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #4 | 16,378 | ▲ up 1 · +6% births |
| 2010 | #5 | 15,433 | ▲ up 4 · +13% births |
| 2005 | #9 | 13,605 | ▲ up 171 · +658% births |
| 2000 | #180 | 1,796 | ▲ up 555 · +544% births |
| 1995 | #735 | 279 | ▲ up 220 · +42% births |
| 1990 | #955 | 197 | ▲ up 127 · +47% births |
| 1985 | #1082 | 134 | ▲ up 101 · +19% births |
| 1980 | #1183 | 113 | ▼ down 198 · -10% births |
| 1975 | #985 | 125 | ▼ down 191 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #794 | 176 | ▼ down 144 · -22% births |
| 1965 | #650 | 227 | — |
The story of Ava
Ava has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #3 in 2016, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 293,689 babies have been named Ava since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #468 in 1880 to #8 in 2023. Ava is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ava in 2016:
Ava by decade
Ava peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 279 | |
| 1890s | 479 | |
| 1900s | 533 | |
| 1910s | 1,401 | |
| 1920s | 1,601 | |
| 1930s | 1,180 | |
| 1940s | 1,346 | |
| 1950s | 4,237 | |
| 1960s | 2,342 | |
| 1970s | 1,320 | |
| 1980s | 1,414 | |
| 1990s | 4,201 | |
| 2000s | 104,670 | |
| 2010s ★ | 155,591 | |
| 2020s | 13,095 | |
What are good nicknames for Ava?
Famous people named Ava
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Ava Gardner
Hollywood Golden Age actress nominated for an Academy Award for Mogambo
AD
Ava DuVernay
First Black woman to win Best Director at Sundance, known for Selma and When They See Us
AM
Ava Max
American singer and songwriter known for Sweet but Psycho and Kings & Queens
AP
Ava Phillip
Great-granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the name's royal resonance
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Ava (Saint)
Belgian abbess and saint venerated in the Roman Catholic Church
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ava?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ava also consider these
Common questions about the name Ava
What does the name Ava mean?
Ava means "life" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ava?
Ava is currently ranked #8 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ava?
Ava originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ava?
Ava is a two-syllable name pronounced EY1 V AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ava more of a girl or boy name?
Ava is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.