Alva

♀ Girl

Pronounced AL-vah /ˈæl.vɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Old Norse alfr, 'elf' (feminine Alva, 'radiant elf-woman'); also a Hebrew/Latin name; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Elven and bright: Alva is Scandinavian for 'elf, radiant'. Ethereal, soft, and luminous (Thomas Alva Edison's middle name too).

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Origin MediumOld Norse, Hebrew

MeaningFrom Old Norse alfr, 'elf' (feminine Alva, 'radiant elf-woman'); also a Hebrew/Latin name; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#5567 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births22 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 8,889

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Alva comes from Old Norse alfr, 'elf' — the feminine Alva, 'radiant elf-woman' — and overlaps a Hebrew/Latin name (routes layered, which we note). A soft, ethereal, luminous name across Scandinavia.

In the U.S. it appears in Scandinavian families. Rare, radiant-elf at the root, and ethereal.

Did you know? Alva comes from Old Norse alfr, 'elf' — a 'radiant elf-woman'; it's a soft, ethereal Scandinavian name (and Thomas Alva Edison's middle name).

Overall data confidence 68%

Behind the Name — Alva — routes layered

Variations

AlfaAlbaElva

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Alva Myrdal (1902-1986)
Swedish diplomat, sociologist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
★Alva Vanderbilt Belmont (1853-1933)
American socialite and prominent women's suffrage activist

If you like Alva…

Alba— a sound-neighbor name

Elva— a fellow elf-name

Svea— a companion Scandinavian name

Chava— lands in the same popularity range

Ziva— echoes that soft -va sound

Explore names like Alva

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Alva mean?

Alva is Scandinavian for 'elf, radiant', overlapping a Hebrew name; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Alva?

It's said AL-vah /ˈæl.vɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Alva a boy or girl name?

Alva is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Alva?

Alva is a rare name in the U.S.