Evelyn

What does the baby name Evelyn mean? Learn about what Evelyn means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Evelyn - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Evelyn
E-V-E-L-Y-N, is a 6-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Evelyn
EV lin
EH veh lin
EE veh lin
Meaning of Evelyn
Hazelnut, light, life, beautiful bird, longed for.
Origin of Evelyn
The name 'Evelyn' has a complex origin and can be traced back to multiple sources. It is derived from the Old English name 'Aveline', which itself originated from the Germanic name 'Avelina'. 'Aveline' was a diminutive form of the Germanic name 'Ava', meaning 'desired' or 'wished for'. Over time, 'Aveline' evolved into 'Eveline' and eventually 'Evelyn'.
American Names
British Names
Celtic Names
Classic Names
English Names
French Names
Gaelic Names
Germanic Names
Hebrew Names
Irish Names
Old English Names
Surname Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Evelyn
Aoiffe
Aveline
Eba
Eva
Evaleen
Eve
Eveleen
Eveline
Evetta
Evie
Evita
Evlin
Evline
Evlyn
Neva
Neve
Vica
Popularity of Evelyn
The name 'Evelyn' has experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years. It first gained popularity in the 17th century and remained a common name throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. However, its popularity declined in the early 20th century. In recent years, 'Evelyn' has seen a resurgence in popularity and is now considered a fashionable and timeless name for girls.
Evelyn currently has 893 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked girl's names. The name Layla is slightly more popular than Evelyn.

Etymology of Evelyn

The etymology of 'Evelyn' can be understood by examining its Old English and Germanic roots. The Old English name 'Aveline' is derived from the Germanic name 'Avelina', which is composed of the elements 'avi' meaning 'desired' and 'lind' meaning 'soft' or 'tender'. Therefore, the name 'Evelyn' can be interpreted as 'desired' or 'wished for', reflecting the sentiment of longing or admiration.

Cultural Significance of Evelyn

'Evelyn' does not hold significant cultural or religious significance in any particular culture. However, it is widely used in English-speaking countries and has become a part of their naming traditions. The name 'Evelyn' is often associated with elegance, femininity, and sophistication.