How to say it
E · va
/ˈi.və/
Feminine
Eva
Life
What it means
Latin form of Eve, from Hebrew Chavah ('life' or 'living one'). The first woman in Genesis. Spelled Eva across most European languages outside English.
Eva is the Latin form of the Hebrew Chavah (Eve), from the root chayah ('to live'). The Genesis story has Adam name her 'because she was the mother of all living.' Eva is the dominant spelling across Romance languages, German, and Scandinavian traditions; Eve is the English form. Eva Perón ('Evita,' wife of Argentine president Juan Perón) and Eva Mendes gave the name modern Hollywood anchors. Eva Braun, Hitler's wife, is the darkest historical association; most parents using the name today don't think of her. It's been in the US top 100 since 2007. Rarely shortens.
Popularity over time
peaked at #31 in 1889, currently #134 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Pronunciation
EE-vah in English, EH-vah in Spanish, German, and Italian. Both are correct in their traditions; pick by family.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Eve (Bible) First woman in Genesis, called 'mother of all living'
- Eva Perón First Lady of Argentina, namesake of the musical Evita, 1919-1952
- Eva Mendes American actress, Hitch and The Place Beyond the Pines
Spelling variants
- Eve
- Ève
- Ava
Names with the same feeling
See Eva from another angle
By meaning
By style