What does Raven mean and where does it come from?
Raven is a name that evokes imagery of the large, black bird, associated with mystery, intelligence, and transformation. In folklore, particularly among Native American cultures, the raven is often seen as a trickster figure and a creator deity. The name has grown in popularity in recent decades, es
Cultural significance
Raven has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #139 in 1993 — currently #361 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Raven?
Raven works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Raven Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Raven Rose
Floral · soft ending
Raven Mae
Sweet · timeless
Raven Claire
French influence · crisp
Raven Jane
Literary · strong
Raven Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Raven right now?
Rising — up 47 spots — currently #361 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #361 | 846 | ▲ up 47 · +10% births |
| 2022 | #408 | 772 | stable · -1% births |
| 2021 | #408 | 778 | ▲ up 9 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #417 | 735 | ▲ up 72 · +12% births |
| 2015 | #489 | 655 | ▲ up 115 · +35% births |
| 2010 | #604 | 486 | ▼ down 256 · -46% births |
| 2005 | #348 | 904 | ▼ down 132 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #216 | 1,446 | ▼ down 47 · -18% births |
| 1995 | #169 | 1,757 | ▼ down 3 |
| 1990 | #166 | 1,758 | ▲ up 339 · +336% births |
| 1985 | #505 | 403 | ▼ down 6 · -1% births |
| 1980 | #499 | 408 | ▲ up 3315 · +2300% births |
| 1975 | #3814 | 17 | ▲ up 2161 · +113% births |
| 1970 | #5975 | 8 | ▼ down 2507 · -43% births |
| 1965 | #3468 | 14 | — |
The story of Raven
Raven entered American naming records in 1941 and has been in use for over 83 years. A total of 43,973 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4331 in 1945 to #361 in 2023. Raven is used for both genders: 93% female and 7% male.
Names that peaked alongside Raven in 1993:
Raven by decade
Raven peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 105 | |
| 1950s | 117 | |
| 1960s | 222 | |
| 1970s | 1,323 | |
| 1980s | 4,163 | |
| 1990s ★ | 19,627 | |
| 2000s | 11,046 | |
| 2010s | 6,587 | |
| 2020s | 773 | |
What are good nicknames for Raven?
What names sound and feel like Raven?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Raven also consider these
How is Raven written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Raven
What does the name Raven mean?
Raven means "English" — a name rooted in English 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 Raven?
Raven is currently ranked #361 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Raven have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Raven?
Raven originates from English tradition. English 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 Raven?
Raven is a two-syllable name pronounced 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 Raven trending right now?
Raven is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.