What does Ivy mean and where does it come from?
Ivy is derived from the climbing plant of the same name, which symbolizes fidelity. The name saw a rise in popularity in the late 19th century and has remained a classic choice for girls. Notably, Ivy League schools in the U.S. have popularized the name further.
Cultural significance
Ivy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of faithfulness.
Peak popularity
Reached #58 in 2020 — currently #38 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ivy?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ivy?
Ivy works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ivy Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ivy Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ivy Claire
French influence · crisp
Ivy Jane
Literary · strong
Ivy Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ivy right now?
Holding steady — currently #38 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #38 | 5,057 | ▲ up 3 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #41 | 4,809 | ▲ up 8 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #49 | 4,394 | ▲ up 9 · +16% births |
| 2020 | #58 | 3,794 | ▲ up 72 · +52% births |
| 2015 | #130 | 2,503 | ▲ up 169 · +130% births |
| 2010 | #299 | 1,088 | ▲ up 6 · +4% births |
| 2005 | #305 | 1,045 | ▲ up 46 · +19% births |
| 2000 | #351 | 880 | ▲ up 72 · +43% births |
| 1995 | #423 | 614 | ▲ up 347 · +131% births |
| 1990 | #770 | 266 | ▼ down 243 · -30% births |
| 1985 | #527 | 378 | ▲ up 119 · +34% births |
| 1980 | #646 | 282 | ▼ down 70 · -2% births |
| 1975 | #576 | 288 | ▲ up 72 · +13% births |
| 1970 | #648 | 254 | ▲ up 52 · +28% births |
| 1965 | #700 | 198 | — |
The story of Ivy
Ivy has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #58 in 2020. A total of 61,190 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #273 in 1880 to #38 in 2023. Ivy is used for both genders: 95% female and 5% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ivy in 2020:
Ivy by decade
Ivy peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 595 | |
| 1890s | 881 | |
| 1900s | 826 | |
| 1910s | 1,758 | |
| 1920s | 1,720 | |
| 1930s | 1,163 | |
| 1940s | 1,176 | |
| 1950s | 2,887 | |
| 1960s | 2,213 | |
| 1970s | 2,776 | |
| 1980s | 3,253 | |
| 1990s | 5,236 | |
| 2000s | 9,378 | |
| 2010s ★ | 23,518 | |
| 2020s | 3,810 | |
What are good nicknames for Ivy?
What names sound and feel like Ivy?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ivy also consider these
Common questions about the name Ivy
What does the name Ivy mean?
Ivy means "faithfulness" — 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 Ivy?
Ivy is currently ranked #38 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ivy have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ivy?
Ivy 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 Ivy?
Ivy is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 V IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ivy trending right now?
Ivy is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.