Alva
Alva first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1918, when 196 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 22.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Alva popular?
Rising Alva has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 176 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 197 | |
| 2000s | 132 | |
| 1990s | 157 | |
| 1980s | 279 | |
| 1970s | 316 | |
| 1960s | 519 | |
| 1950s | 797 | |
| 1940s | 875 | |
| 1930s | 1,185 | |
| 1920s | 1,591 | |
| 1910s | 1,404 | |
| 1900s | 604 | |
| 1890s | 475 | |
| 1880s | 182 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Alva mean?
Alva comes from the Old Norse for “elf,” a being of light.
Names like Alva
Norse names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Alva
Popular Norse names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Alva
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alva mean?
Alva means Elf. Alva comes from the Old Norse for “elf,” a being of light.
What is the origin of the name Alva?
Alva is of Norse origin.
How do you pronounce Alva?
Alva is pronounced “AHL-vah.”
Is Alva a boy or a girl name?
Alva is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Alva a popular name right now?
Alva has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Alva?
In 2025, Alva ranked #5567 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Alva most popular?
Alva was most popular in 1918, when about 196 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Alva?
Names similar to Alva include Thora, Runa, Signe, Sigrid, Solveig.
What names go well with Alva?
Norse names that pair well with Alva include Eric, Erik, Freya, Odin, Astrid.