"jealousy, covetousness"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Envy
Pronunciation: [ EHNV-ee ]
A daring, unconventional name that turns heads
American
Bold
Unique
Edgy
Modern
Meaning & Origin
"to look against (literally)"
Origin: Latin 'invidia'
Language: Latin
Things to Know About This Name
- 'Envy' is one of the Seven Deadly Sins in Christian theology
- The word carries strong negative connotations of jealousy in everyday English
The Story of Envy
Envy comes from the Latin 'invidia,' meaning the act of looking upon another's good fortune with discontent or jealousy — literally 'to look against.' While the word is one of Christianity's Seven Deadly Sins and carries negative connotations in everyday use, some modern parents reclaim provocative or taboo words as names to express a nonconformist spirit. Phonetically, Envy is soft and appealing, resembling Ivy and Evie.
Envy as a name is part of a micro-trend of using word names with unconventional or taboo meanings, alongside names like Rebel, Riot, and Revel. This naming style often appears in creative, alternative communities as a declaration of individuality and resistance to convention.
In Christian moral theology, Envy (Latin: invidia) is counted among the Seven Deadly Sins. However, in modern pop culture, the concept has been playfully reclaimed — from fashion brands to the character Envy Adams in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. For parents, the name can signal a fearless embrace of complexity.
Fun Facts
- The Seven Deadly Sins were formalized by Pope Gregory I around 590 CE, making 'Envy' part of a 1,400-year theological tradition
- DJ Envy (Raashaun Casey) is a well-known American radio host and TV personality
- In astrology and mythology, envy was associated with the evil eye — the belief that jealous gazes could cause harm
Envy in Other Languages
French
Envie
German
Neid
Italian
Invidia
Spanish
Envidia
Portuguese
Inveja
Popularity Over Time
#6,533
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Envy
D
DJ Envy
Entertainer
1977
American radio host on The Breakfast Club and television personality
E
Envy Adams Fictional
Musician
Fictional character in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World — Scott's ex-girlfriend turned famous rock star
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,533
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Envy is also used as a boy name, ranked #43271.
View Envy as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Envy →Compare Envy with...
Same Origin Names (American)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Envy
What does the name Envy mean?
"jealousy, covetousness" (from Latin). "to look against (literally)" (from Latin 'invidia'). Envy comes from the Latin 'invidia,' meaning the act of looking upon another's good fortune with discontent or jealousy — literally 'to look against.' While the word is one of Christianity's Seven Deadly Sins and carries negative connotations in everyday use, some modern parents reclaim provocative or taboo words as names to express a nonconformist spirit. Phonetically, Envy is soft and appealing, resembling Ivy and Evie.
What is the origin of the name Envy?
Envy has Latin, Latin 'invidia', and American origins. In Latin, it means "jealousy, covetousness". In Latin 'invidia', it means "to look against (literally)".
Is Envy a boy or girl name?
Envy is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6533. As a boy name, it is ranked #43271. Envy is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Envy?
Envy is pronounced EHNV-ee.
How popular is the name Envy?
Envy is currently ranked #6533 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Envy?
Popular middle name pairings include Envy Grace, Envy Marie, Envy Rose, Envy Jade, Envy Skye, Envy Blaze, and Envy Storm.
What are good sibling names for Envy?
Names that pair well with Envy as siblings include Revel, Storm, Blaze, Ivy, Rebel, Riot, and Echo.
How many syllables does Envy have?
Envy has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Envy a common or rare name?
Envy is an uncommon name, ranked #6533 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Envy
Envy is a girl name with American origins . The name means "jealousy, covetousness" in Latin .
Is Envy a boy or girl name? Envy is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,533 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #43,271. Envy is more commonly used as a girl name.
Envy is currently ranked #6,533 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Envy has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHNV-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.