Ives

“yew” — Associated with the yew tree

United Kingdom origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#10133US 2023

7Births / yr

↑Rising

62All-time births

📅 Since 191900

How to pronounce Ives

EYEVZ

/ˈaɪvz/ · stress on EYEVZ · 1 syllable

“yew”

Associated with the yew tree · United Kingdom origin

What does Ives mean and where does it come from?

Ives is derived from the Old French name 'Ivo', which means 'yew'. The name was brought to England by the Normans and has seen a gradual increase in usage in modern times. It carries connotations of nature and strength associated with the yew tree, which is often used in parks and gardens. St. Ives

Cultural significance

Ives has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old french.

Peak popularity

Reached #4123 in 1926 — currently #10133 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ives?

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

Ives Grace

How popular is Ives right now?

Rising fast — up 83 spots — currently #10133 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2010–2023#10133 · Top 7.5%

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10133	7	▲ up 83
2022	#10216	7	▼ down 1053 · -12% births
2021	#9163	8	▼ down 414
2020	#8749	8	▲ up 3501 · +60% births
2015	#12250	5	▲ up 170
2010	#12420	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ives

Best Year2020Rank #8749

Peak Count8

Average Rank#10489

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2010 - 20236 years

The story of Ives

Ives entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 62 total births recorded, Ives remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12420 in 2010 to #10133 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ives in 1926:

Robert John James William Charles

Ives by decade

Ives peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1920s	6
1980s	5
2000s	5
2010s ★	33
2020s	8

💎Ives has only 62 total recorded births since 1919 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ives?

FRENCH

Yvon

BULGARIAN

Ivet

CROATIAN

Ivona

CZECH

IvaIvetaIvkaIvona

What names sound and feel like Ives?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ives also consider these

Ive

Dutch-speaking countries · Yew; archer

France · Rives can refer

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Ires

Irish · A Irish name

How is Ives written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Ives

What does the name Ives mean?

Ives means "Old French" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Ives?

Ives is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ives have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Ives?

Ives originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Ives?

Ives is a one-syllable name pronounced AY1 V Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Ives sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Ives flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Ives ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.