Neva

♀ Girl

Neva Pronunciation

Neva is pronounced NEE-vah /ˈni.vɑ/High

Meaning: From Spanish nieve, 'snow' (as in Sierra Nevada, 'snowy range'); also the river Neva of St. PetersburgMedium

In 30 seconds: Snow-pure and river-cool: Neva draws on Spanish 'nieve', snow — the Sierra Nevada's namesake — and names the elegant river of St. Petersburg. Crisp, vintage, and quietly luminous.

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Origin MediumSpanish, Russian

MeaningFrom Spanish nieve, 'snow' (as in Sierra Nevada, 'snowy range'); also the river Neva of St. Petersburg

U.S. rank (2024)#3726 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births41 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 21,173

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Neva comes from Spanish nieve, 'snow' — the root of Nevada, 'snowy' — and independently names the river Neva, on which St. Petersburg was built. A quiet early-twentieth-century American favorite, it reads vintage and fresh at once.

It registers thinly today, reading as a snowy antique gem. Rare, snow-and-river at the root, and luminous.

Did you know? The river Neva flows through St. Petersburg past the Winter Palace — fitting company for a name that, in its Spanish reading, means 'snow'.

Overall data confidence 72%

Behind the Name — Neva — etymology

Variations

NievaNevahNevaeh

Nicknames

Nev

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Neva…

Nevaeh— the modern name it brushes in sound

Nova— a fellow short luminous name

Neve— the Irish-Italian 'snow/bright' cousin

Azul— another Spanish name

Perla— shares Neva's Spanish roots

→ See all names like Neva

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Neva?

Neva is pronounced NEE-vah (/ˈni.vɑ/). Press play above to hear Neva said aloud.

How do you say Neva?

Neva is said NEE-vah (/ˈni.vɑ/). Press play above to hear Neva said aloud.

What does the name Neva mean?

Neva is from Spanish nieve, 'snow', and also names the river Neva of St. Petersburg.

Is Neva a boy or girl name?

Neva is a girl's name.

How popular is Neva?

Neva is a rare vintage name in the U.S.