Evelyn: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced EV-uh-lin · 3 syllables
Evelyn means “from Aveline; often read as ’wished for’”, from English and French.
From Middle English forms of the Old French female name Aveline, diminutive of the Germanic root *avi-, of uncertain meaning, possibly “desired, wished for“ (compare Latin avere, "to wish for") or aval “strength”. By folk etymology also misunderstood as a diminutive of the feminine given name Eve, q.v. Doublet of Eileen. Also compare Ava.
- Meaning
- from Aveline; often read as ’wished for’
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- EV-uh-lin
- US rank (2025)
- #8
- US babies a year
- about 10,396 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1910
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Classic
How popular is Evelyn?
Evelyn was the #8 name in the US in 2025, given to 9,131 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1910.
Most popular in Iowa (#2), Minnesota (#2), Nebraska (#2), Vermont (#2), Wyoming (#2), Idaho (#3), Kansas (#3), South Dakota (#3).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #8 |
| England & Wales | #21 |
| Scotland | #124 |
| Northern Ireland | #149 |
| Ireland | #94 |
| Norway | #153 |
| Canada | #23 |
| Australia | #14 |
How old are people named Evelyn?
Half of US adults named Evelyn are older than 59; most are between 19 and 89. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Evelyn
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Evelyn have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Evelyn
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Violet
- Eleanor
- Ruby
- Eloise
- Charlotte
- Elinor
- Rosalie
- Josephine
- Hazel
- Lillian
- Genevieve
- Adele
- Gracie
- Millicent
- Lucille
- Grace
On these lists
- The most popular girl names in the US
- Classic girl names
- Vintage girl names
- Comeback girl names
- French girl names
- English girl names
Questions about Evelyn
What does the name Evelyn mean?
Evelyn means “from Aveline; often read as ’wished for’”. It comes from English and French.
How do you pronounce Evelyn?
Evelyn is pronounced EV-uh-lin.
How popular is the name Evelyn?
Evelyn was the #8 name in the US in 2025, given to 9,131 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1910.
How old are people named Evelyn?
Half of US adults named Evelyn are older than 59. Most are between 19 and 89.