Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Avril
GirlFrench· “April”
- Meaning
- April
- Origin
- French
- Pronunciation
- AV-ril
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,845
- US babies 2025
- 108
- Best rank
- #1,504 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Avril
Avril is a French name that means “April”.
Avril is the French word for April, the month of spring blossoms. April comes from the Latin Aprilis, whose origin is uncertain; it has been linked to aperire, "to open," perhaps describing the opening of buds. As a given name, Avril is used in France, Britain and Ireland, and it became known internationally through the Canadian singer Avril Lavigne. The name has a fresh, springlike feel and a soft French elegance, with Av as a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Avril first appears in US Social Security records in 1919. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,504 in 2008, the same year it reached its highest count of 155 babies. In 2025, 108 babies were named Avril, and it ranked #1,845 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,438 in 1920, #6,350 in 1980, #8,621 in 2000, #1,622 in 2010, and #1,845 in 2025. Of the 3,479 US girls named Avril since records began, 35% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 950 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jailynn, Maile, Yazmine, Vania, and Myleigh.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Avril ranked highest in Florida, Georgia, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #800 | 20 |
| Georgia | #1091 | 8 |
| New Jersey | #1193 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1265 | 6 |
| California | #1852 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Avril is usually pronounced AV-ril, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-il”.
Middle names for Avril
A few middle names that flow with Avril: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Avril
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Lists that include Avril
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Avril mean?
Avril is a French name that means “April”.
What is the origin of the name Avril?
Avril has French roots. Avril is the French word for April, the month of spring blossoms.
Is Avril a popular name?
Not especially. Avril ranked #1,845 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Avril a boy or girl name?
Avril is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Avril?
Avril is usually pronounced AV-ril. 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