Ava
Ava is a girl name of Latin/Germanic origin meaning “Life, bird”, pronounced AY-vuh. It ranked #11 in the United States in 2025, given to 7,732 babies, and peaked at #3 in 2016. Common nicknames: Avie.
How popular is Ava in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Ava mean, and where does it come from?
Ava's exact origin is debated: some scholars connect it to the Latin avis, meaning "bird," while others view it as a short, elegant variant of Eve, from the Hebrew Chava, meaning "life." The name enjoyed early Hollywood glamour through legendary actress Ava Gardner in the mid-20th century, then all but disappeared before its spectacular return at the turn of the millennium. Since the early 2000s Ava has consistently ranked among the top names for American girls, prized for its short, breezy sound and effortless pairing with any surname.
How is Ava used around the world?
Ava is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Ava?
Famous People Named Ava
- Ava Gardner — American actress and Hollywood icon
- Ava DuVernay — American filmmaker and director
Similar Names to Ava
If you like Ava, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Ava
Looking for names that pair well with Ava? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ava mean?
Ava is a girl name of Latin/Germanic origin meaning "Life, bird." Ava's exact origin is debated: some scholars connect it to the Latin avis, meaning "bird," while others view it as a short, elegant variant of Eve, from the Hebrew Chava, meaning "life." The name enjoyed early Hollywood glamour through legendary actress Ava Gardner in the mid-20th century, then all but disappeared before its spectacular return at the turn of the millennium.
How do you pronounce Ava?
Ava is pronounced AY-vuh. Common variations include Avah, Eva, Aiva.
Is Ava a girl name?
Yes, Ava is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Avie.