Raven

♀ Girl

Pronounced RAY-ven /ˈreɪ.vɪn/High

Meaning: From Old English hraefn meaning the raven bird, a large black corvid; used as a given name for its associations with intelligence, mystery, and dark beautyHigh

In 30 seconds: Raven is a striking Old English bird name evoking mystery, intelligence, and dark beauty — a bold, nature-inspired choice with deep roots in Norse and Native American mythology.

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Origin HighOld English

MeaningFrom Old English hraefn meaning the raven bird, a large black corvid; used as a given name for its associations with intelligence, mystery, and dark beauty

U.S. rank (2025)#404 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births771 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1993

Total births (all-time)≈ 44,906

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Raven comes from Old English hraefn, the raven bird. Ravens hold profound significance across cultures: in Norse mythology they are Odin's messengers; in many Indigenous North American traditions they are creator figures.

As a given name, Raven gained popularity in the United States from the 1990s onward, partly through the TV series That's So Raven. It carries a gothic, nature-inspired edge.

Did you know? In Norse mythology, Odin kept two ravens named Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory) who flew across the world each day and reported everything they saw — making the raven a symbol of divine wisdom.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name — Raven — etymology and cultural historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RavynRaeven

Nicknames

Rae

Famous Bearers

★Raven-Symoné (1985–present)
American actress, singer, and television host, known for The Cosby Show and That's So Raven.

If you like Raven…

Ember— shares the dark, mysterious nature-word name energy with a similar moody appeal

Crow

Jade— fellow gemstone-adjacent nature name with the same dark-cool feminine edge

Onyx

Frequently Asked

What does the name Raven mean?

Raven refers to the large black corvid bird from Old English hraefn, associated with intelligence and mystery.

How do you pronounce Raven?

It is said RAY-ven /ˈreɪ.vɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Raven a popular name?

Raven gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s in the United States, boosted by the TV series That's So Raven.

Is Raven a boy or girl name?

Raven is used primarily as a girls' name in the United States.