Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ivy
GirlEnglish· “ivy plant”
- Meaning
- ivy plant
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- EYE-vee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #39
- US babies 2025
- 5,117
- Best rank
- #36 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Ivy
Ivy is an English name that means “ivy plant”.
Ivy is the English name of the evergreen climbing plant, from Old English ifig. Because ivy stays green through winter and clings firmly as it grows, it has long been a symbol of fidelity and endurance, and it features in traditional Christmas decorations, as in the carol The Holly and the Ivy. Ivy became a given name in the late nineteenth century with other plant and flower names, then faded before returning strongly in recent years. It is short, bright and easy to spell, with a vintage charm and a fresh nature image. It also works well as a middle name.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ivey, Ivie.
Popularity over time
Ivy 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 145 different years. Its best national rank was #36 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,343 babies. In 2025, 5,117 babies were named Ivy, and it ranked #39 nationally. That is 104% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #602 in 1920, #670 in 1950, #646 in 1980, #352 in 2000, #299 in 2010, and #39 in 2025. Of the 82,713 US girls named Ivy since records began, 35% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 23,492 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Valentina, Lainey, Elena, Isla, and Naomi.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ivy ranked highest in Mississippi, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #8 | 67 |
| Nebraska | #8 | 58 |
| North Dakota | #9 | 29 |
| Maine | #10 | 36 |
| Utah | #11 | 124 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ivy is usually pronounced EYE-vee, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with I and ends in “-vy”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ivey and Ivie.
Middle names for Ivy
A few middle names that flow with Ivy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ivy
Similar names
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Lists that include Ivy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ivy mean?
Ivy is an English name that means “ivy plant”.
What is the origin of the name Ivy?
Ivy has English roots. Ivy is the English name of the evergreen climbing plant, from Old English ifig.
Is Ivy a popular name?
Yes. Ivy ranked #39 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Ivy a boy or girl name?
Ivy is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ivy?
Ivy is usually pronounced EYE-vee. 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