Eva

♀ Girl

Pronounced EE-vuh /ˈiː.və/High

Meaning: Life; living — Latin and Greek form of the Hebrew Chava (Eve), from chaya (to live)High

In 30 seconds: The Latin form of Eve meaning 'life,' Eva has been used across Europe for millennia and combines the foundational Biblical meaning of the first woman with a sleek European elegance.

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Origin HighHebrew, Latin

MeaningLife; living — Latin and Greek form of the Hebrew Chava (Eve), from chaya (to live)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 262,740

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Eva is the Latin and Greek form of Eve, from the Hebrew Chava, related to chaya (to live). Eve in Genesis is the first woman and mother of all living — her name literally means 'life.'

Eva has been popular across Europe throughout the Christian era. In the United States it has climbed back into the top 100 girls' names in the 21st century, valued for its simplicity and cross-cultural elegance.

Did you know? Eva Perón (1919–1952), First Lady of Argentina, was known as 'Evita' (little Eva) — a nickname so beloved that her story became a famous Broadway musical and film.

Variations

EveChavaAvaEvie

Nicknames

Evie

Famous Bearers

★Eva Perón (1919–1952)
First Lady of Argentina, known as Evita, a revered political figure celebrated in the musical of the same name.

If you like Eva…

Ava— one-syllable Latin-rooted name with the same crisp, luminous simplicity

Isla— short vowel-rich name with the same effortless European elegance

Aria— Italian/Greek name with the same brief, musical, light quality

Nova— Latin astronomical name with the same short, bright, modern character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Eva mean?

Eva is the Latin and Greek form of Eve, from the Hebrew Chava, meaning 'life' or 'living.' Eve was the first woman in Genesis.

How do you pronounce Eva?

It is said EE-vuh /ˈiː.və/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Eva a boy or girl name?

Eva is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Eva?

Eva has been climbing in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 100 girls' names.