Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Raven
GirlEnglish, Old English· “raven, the black bird”
- Meaning
- raven, the black bird
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- RAY-vuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #404
- US babies 2025
- 771
- Best rank
- #139 (1993)
- Peak year
- 1993
Meaning and origin of Raven
Raven is an English and Old English name that means “raven, the black bird”.
Raven comes from the English name of the large black bird, from Old English hræfn. Ravens have a rich place in folklore and mythology: in Norse tradition the god Odin kept two ravens, and in many Indigenous stories of the Pacific Northwest Raven is a clever creator and trickster. Edgar Allan Poe's poem The Raven gave the bird a dark, poetic image in American literature. As a given name Raven is mostly chosen for girls and has a bold, mysterious character. It also suits parents who love nature names with depth.
Popularity over time
Raven first appears in US Social Security records in 1941. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 49 different years, starting in 1977. Its best national rank was #139 in 1993, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,285 babies. In 2025, 771 babies were named Raven, and it ranked #404 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #499 in 1980, #215 in 2000, #601 in 2010, and #404 in 2025. Of the 44,920 US girls named Raven since records began, 41% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 10,036 babies. Since 2010, 10,969 more have been named Raven.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Tori, Alejandra, Hillary, Hayley, and Shanice.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Raven ranked highest in Alaska, Iowa, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #164 | 5 |
| Iowa | #194 | 17 |
| West Virginia | #201 | 9 |
| Maine | #202 | 6 |
| Kentucky | #212 | 22 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 94% of US babies named Raven over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Raven is usually pronounced RAY-vuhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Raven
A few middle names that flow with Raven: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Raven
Similar names
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“hay valley” · English
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“the season of summer” · English
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Wren Girl
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Holly Girl
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“the holly tree” · English
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Lauren Girl
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“from Laurentum; linked to laurel” · English
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Oakley Unisex
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Ember Girl
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Winter Girl
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“winter” · English
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Lists that include Raven
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Raven mean?
Raven is an English and Old English name that means “raven, the black bird”.
What is the origin of the name Raven?
Raven has English and Old English roots. Raven comes from the English name of the large black bird, from Old English hræfn.
Is Raven a popular name?
Yes. Raven ranked #404 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Raven a boy or girl name?
Raven is mainly a girl's name. About 94% of US babies named Raven over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Raven?
Raven is usually pronounced RAY-vuhn. 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