What does Alva mean?
Alva comes from the Old Norse for “elf,” a being of light.
What does Thora mean?
Thora is a feminine form linked to the god Thor and to “thunder.”
Alva vs Thora
Which is more popular?
Alva is more popular than Thora today: about 22 US babies were given the name Alva in 2025, compared with 20 named Thora.
| Alva | Thora | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Elf | Thor's; thunder |
| Origin | Norse | Norse |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | AHL-vah | THOR-ah |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1883 |
| Peak year | 1918 (196) | 1916 (72) |
| In 2025 | 22 | 20 |
| Trend | Rising | Rising |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Alva
Thora
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Alva | Thora |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 176 | 215 |
| 2010s | 197 | 228 |
| 2000s | 132 | 83 |
| 1990s | 157 | 12 |
| 1980s | 279 | 5 |
| 1970s | 316 | 35 |
| 1960s | 519 | 42 |
| 1950s | 797 | 101 |
| 1940s | 875 | 138 |
| 1930s | 1,185 | 204 |
| 1920s | 1,591 | 434 |
| 1910s | 1,404 | 519 |
| 1900s | 604 | 201 |
| 1890s | 475 | 160 |
| 1880s | 182 | 47 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Alva or Thora more popular?
Alva is more popular than Thora today: about 22 US babies were given the name Alva in 2025, compared with 20 named Thora.
What is the difference between Alva and Thora?
Alva means Elf (Norse origin), while Thora means Thor's; thunder (Norse origin).
Which name is older, Alva or Thora?
In US records, Alva first appears in 1880 and Thora in 1883, so Alva has the longer recorded history.