Evelyn
Evelyn is a girl name of English / Norman French origin meaning “Wished-for child”, pronounced EV-uh-lin. It ranked #8 in the United States in 2025, given to 9,123 babies, and peaked at #8 in 2024. Common nicknames: Evie, Eve, Lyn.
How popular is 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.
What does Evelyn mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Evelyn used 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.
What are the nicknames for Evelyn?
Famous People Named Evelyn
- Evelyn Waugh — British novelist (Brideshead Revisited)
- Evelyn Glennie — Scottish percussionist
- Evelyn Ashford — American Olympic sprinter
Similar Names to Evelyn
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Sibling Name Ideas for Evelyn
Looking for names that pair well with Evelyn? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.