girl name · Norse origin
Alva
/ AHL-vah /
Meaning
Alva means Elf (Norse).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Norse
Pronunciation
AHL-vah
Popularity
#5567 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Alva in the US, 1880–2025
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.
What does Alva mean?
Alva comes from the Old Norse for “elf,” a being of light.
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.
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.