Alva
Alva is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
His highness, exaltation, or white.
Origin and history
Alva is a name with multiple etymological roots, derived from the Hebrew name Alvah meaning 'his highness' or 'sublimity', as well as Latin and Norse origins. It was historically popular for both boys and girls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. Today, it is a rare but classic choice for modern parents looking for a short vintage name.
Popularity in the United States
8,889 babies in the United States have been named Alva since 1880. It ranks #1772 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1925.
States where it is most popular
- TX (23.3 %)
- CA (11.8 %)
- NY (6.6 %)
- NC (6.5 %)
- GA (6.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 182 |
| 1890-1900 | 475 |
| 1900-1910 | 604 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,404 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,591 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,185 |
| 1940-1950 | 875 |
| 1950-1960 | 797 |
| 1960-1970 | 519 |
| 1970-1980 | 316 |
| 1980-1990 | 279 |
| 1990-2000 | 157 |
| 2000-2010 | 132 |
| 2010-2019 | 197 |
| 2020-2029 | 176 |
Famous people named Alva
- Alva Belmont: Suffragist, Socialite
- Alva Myrdal: Sociologist, Politician
Fun facts
- The name originates partly from the Hebrew word for 'sublimity' or 'his highness', appearing in Genesis.
- In Scandinavian countries, Alva is a popular feminine name derived from the Old Norse word for 'elf'.