Isabella Girl
ih-zuh-BEH-luh
“God is my oath” · Spanish
#7
Evelyn
GirlEnglish, French· “uncertain; from Norman Aveline”
- Meaning
- uncertain; from Norman Aveline (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- EH-vuh-luhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #8
- US babies 2025
- 9,123
- Best rank
- #8 (2024)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Evelyn
Evelyn is often said to mean “uncertain; from Norman Aveline”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and French roots.
Evelyn began as an English surname derived from the Norman French Aveline, a diminutive of a Germanic name whose meaning is uncertain. It entered first-name use in the seventeenth century and was originally given mainly to boys; the diarist John Evelyn carried it as a surname, and the novelist Evelyn Waugh as a first name. Over time it became predominantly a girls' name in America, and it has made a strong comeback in recent years as a vintage favorite. Evelyn sounds soft and graceful. Evie and Eve are the usual nicknames, and Evelina and Eveline are related forms.
Popularity over time
Evelyn has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #8 in 2024, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 14,278 were named Evelyn. In 2025, 9,123 babies were named Evelyn, and it ranked #8 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #12 in 1920, #86 in 1950, #288 in 1980, #150 in 2000, #39 in 2010, and #8 in 2025. Of the 639,756 US girls named Evelyn since records began, 19% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 91,492 babies. Since 2010, 142,706 more have been named Evelyn.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Marie, Alice, Marjorie, Irene, and Mildred.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Evelyn ranked highest in Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Evelyn is usually pronounced EH-vuh-luhn, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with E and ends in “-yn”.
Middle names for Evelyn
A few middle names that flow with Evelyn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Evelyn
Similar names
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Lists that include Evelyn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Evelyn mean?
Evelyn is often said to mean “uncertain; from Norman Aveline”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and French roots.
What is the origin of the name Evelyn?
Evelyn has English, French, and Germanic roots. Evelyn began as an English surname derived from the Norman French Aveline, a diminutive of a Germanic name whose meaning is uncertain.
Is Evelyn a popular name?
Yes. Evelyn ranked #8 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Evelyn a boy or girl name?
Evelyn is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Evelyn?
Evelyn is usually pronounced EH-vuh-luhn. 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