Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Avalon
GirlWelsh, English· “island of apples”
- Meaning
- island of apples
- Origin
- Welsh, English
- Pronunciation
- AV-uh-lon
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,459
- US babies 2025
- 147
- Best rank
- #1,169 (1921)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Avalon
Avalon is a Welsh and English name that is usually said to mean “island of apples”.
Avalon is the legendary island of Arthurian tradition, where King Arthur's sword Excalibur was forged and where he was carried after his final battle. Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote of it in the twelfth century as Insula Avallonis, and the name is usually linked to the Welsh or Brittonic word for apple, giving the meaning "island of apples." Over the centuries Avalon became a byword for an earthly paradise, and some have identified it with Glastonbury in England. As a given name it feels mystical and romantic, with Ava as a natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Avalon first appears in US Social Security records in 1907. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,169 in 1921, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 158 were named Avalon. In 2025, 147 babies were named Avalon, and it ranked #1,459 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,913 in 1920, #2,407 in 2000, #1,678 in 2010, and #1,459 in 2025. Of the 4,213 US girls named Avalon since records began, 32% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,085 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Arianny, Aislynn, Pepper, Aaleyah, and Miabella.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Avalon ranked highest in Oregon, Wisconsin, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #438 | 8 |
| Wisconsin | #809 | 5 |
| Arizona | #830 | 7 |
| Ohio | #890 | 10 |
| Washington | #1067 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Avalon over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Avalon is usually pronounced AV-uh-lon, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Avalon
A few middle names that flow with Avalon: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Avalon
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Lists that include Avalon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Avalon mean?
Avalon is a Welsh and English name that is usually said to mean “island of apples”.
What is the origin of the name Avalon?
Avalon has Welsh and English roots. Avalon is the legendary island of Arthurian tradition, where King Arthur's sword Excalibur was forged and where he was carried after his final battle.
Is Avalon a popular name?
Not especially. Avalon ranked #1,459 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Avalon a boy or girl name?
Avalon is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Avalon over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Avalon?
Avalon is usually pronounced AV-uh-lon. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings