What does Craven mean and where does it come from?
Craven originates from Old English and is often associated with the meaning related to crows or ravens. The name has undergone various interpretations, with some linking it to 'crevan', itself a term used historically to refer to a person who was cowardly or exhibited cowardice. In modern times, it
Cultural significance
Craven has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of craw or crow..
Peak popularity
Reached #2455 in 1956 — currently #1698 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Craven?
Craven works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Craven Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Craven Rose
Floral · soft ending
Craven Mae
Sweet · timeless
Craven Claire
French influence · crisp
Craven Jane
Literary · strong
Craven Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Craven right now?
Holding steady — currently #1698 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1698 | 502 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1703 | 482 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1708 | 452 | ▲ up 9193 · +7433% births |
| 2010 | #10901 | 6 | ▼ down 4154 · +20% births |
| 1985 | #6747 | 5 | ▼ down 2894 · -17% births |
| 1960 | #3853 | 6 | ▼ down 133 |
| 1955 | #3720 | 6 | ▼ down 483 · -14% births |
| 1950 | #3237 | 7 | ▲ up 404 · +40% births |
| 1945 | #3641 | 5 | ▼ down 256 · -17% births |
| 1940 | #3385 | 6 | ▲ up 129 · -14% births |
| 1930 | #3514 | 7 | ▼ down 148 · -12% births |
| 1925 | #3366 | 8 | ▲ up 772 · +33% births |
| 1920 | #4138 | 6 | — |
The story of Craven
Craven entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 366 total births recorded, Craven remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4138 in 1920 to #1698 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Craven in 1956:
Craven by decade
Craven peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 13 | |
| 1920s ★ | 70 | |
| 1930s | 38 | |
| 1940s | 48 | |
| 1950s | 53 | |
| 1960s | 25 | |
| 1970s | 18 | |
| 1980s | 10 | |
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 49 | |
| 2010s | 36 | |
💎Craven has only 366 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Craven?
Common
CraCravCravieCravyAven
What names sound and feel like Craven?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Craven also consider these
Common questions about the name Craven
What does the name Craven mean?
Craven means "Craw or crow." — a name rooted in American 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 Craven?
Craven is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Craven?
Craven originates from American tradition. American 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 Craven?
Craven is a two-syllable name pronounced K R EY1 V AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Craven a common or rare name?
Craven is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.