Evelyn
Wished-for child — a girl name of English / Norman French origin
Popularity of Evelyn in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Evelyn
Evelyn began as an English surname derived from the Norman French name Aveline, itself a diminutive of the Germanic name Ava, possibly meaning "wished-for child" or "life." Historically, Evelyn was used as a masculine name in England, as seen in the diarist John Evelyn. By the 19th century it had shifted primarily to feminine use and became widely popular. After falling from favor in the mid-20th century, Evelyn surged back to prominence and reached the top 10 in the United States by 2017, beloved for its vintage elegance and lyrical sound.
Evelyn Around the World
Evelyn is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Evelyn
Famous People Named Evelyn
- Evelyn Waugh — British novelist (Brideshead Revisited)
- Evelyn Glennie — Scottish percussionist
- Evelyn Ashford — American Olympic sprinter
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Sibling Name Ideas for Evelyn
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Evelyn mean?
Evelyn is a girl name of English / Norman French origin meaning "Wished-for child." Evelyn began as an English surname derived from the Norman French name Aveline, itself a diminutive of the Germanic name Ava, possibly meaning "wished-for child" or "life." Historically, Evelyn was used as a masculine name in England, as seen in the diarist John Evelyn.
How do you pronounce Evelyn?
Evelyn is pronounced EV-uh-lin. Common variations include Evelina, Eveline, Avelina.
Is Evelyn a girl name?
Yes, Evelyn is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Evie, Eve, Lyn, Evy.
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