Ave

bird — Symbolize freedom and grace
Spanish origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#7689US 2023
14Births / yr
Rising
868All-time births
📅 Since 191300
How to pronounce Ave
AH·vay
/ˈɑ.ˌveɪ/ · stress on AH · 2 syllables
bird
Symbolize freedom and grace · Spanish origin

What does Ave mean and where does it come from?

Ave is a name that means 'bird' in Spanish and Latin. The term 'Ave' is often used in religious contexts, for example, 'Ave Maria,' used as a salutation to the Virgin Mary. The name can symbolize freedom and grace, echoing the qualities associated with birds in nature. Its usage as a name is more co

Cultural significance
Ave has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bird.
Peak popularity
Reached #2585 in 1944 — currently #7689 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Ave?

Ave works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ave Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ave Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ave Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ave Claire
French influence · crisp
Ave Jane
Literary · strong
Ave Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Ave
Browse ideas →

How popular is Ave right now?

Rising fast — up 2076 spots — currently #7689 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19252023#7689 · Top 5.7%
1950
1955
1960
1965
1975
1985
1990
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#768914▲ up 2076 · +40% births
2022#976510▼ down 3036 · -41% births
2021#672917▲ up 163 · +6% births
2020#689216▲ up 2066 · +33% births
2015#895812▼ down 1048 · -20% births
2010#791015▼ down 380
2005#753015▲ up 3312 · +88% births
2000#108428▲ up 2293 · +60% births
1990#131355▼ down 4683 · -29% births
1985#84527▲ up 802 · +40% births
1975#92545▼ down 4961 · -50% births
1965#429310▼ down 875 · -29% births
1960#341814▼ down 643 · -18% births
1955#277517▲ up 1328 · +113% births
1950#41038

The story of Ave

Ave entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 868 total births recorded, Ave remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4227 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7689 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ave in 1944:

Ave by decade

Ave peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

DecadeBirths
1910s21
1920s31
1930s32
1940s48
1950s121
1960s83
1970s55
1980s45
1990s56
2000s172
2010s188
2020s16
💎Ave has only 868 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ave?

Common
AvAvieAvy

Famous people named Ave

A(
Ave (Latin American historical figure)
Ave used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
A(
Ave (Spanish saint)
Ave helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
A(
Ave (Flamenco artist)
Ave carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
A(
Ave (Latin American historical figure)
Ave used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
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Common questions about the name Ave

What does the name Ave mean?
Ave means "bird" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Ave?
Ave is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Ave?
Ave originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Ave?
Ave is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 V EY2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ave a common or rare name?
Ave is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.