"wished for child"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Evelyn
Pronunciation: [ EHV-uhl-uhn ]
Girl Name
#8 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
Edwardian elegance with a thoroughly modern Evie
English
French
American
Vintage
Elegant
Classic
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"life, bird"
Origin: Norman French
Language: English
"wished-for child, life"
Origin: Germanic/Norman French
Language: English
"hazelnut, little bird"
Origin: Alternative etymology
Language: Norman French
The Story of Evelyn
Evelyn originated as an English surname derived from the Norman French feminine name Aveline, itself from the Germanic 'Avila' or possibly related to the Latin 'avis' (bird). It transitioned to a given name for both boys and girls in the 17th century — notably the English diarist John Evelyn carried it as a male name. By the 20th century it had settled firmly as a girl's name in the English-speaking world.
Evelyn entered the US top 10 in 2017 and has been climbing ever since. Its vintage Edwardian feel fits the trend toward old-fashioned names with modern appeal, and the nickname Evie has a warm, playful energy that balances Evelyn's more formal ring.
Evelyn Waugh, one of the 20th century's greatest satirical novelists (Brideshead Revisited, Decline and Fall), carried this as a male name — a reminder that Evelyn was once used for boys in Britain. Evelyn Hugo, the fictional Hollywood golden-age star of Taylor Jenkins Reid's bestselling novel, brought the name a new wave of cultural resonance in the 2010s.
Fun Facts
- Evelyn was historically used as a male name in Britain — novelist Evelyn Waugh was a man
- Evelyn entered the US top 10 girl's names in 2017
- The Evelyn Hugo of Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo brought the name fresh cultural cachet in the 2010s
Evelyn in Other Languages
French
Evelyne
German
Evelyn
Italian
Evelina
Spanish
Evelyn
Portuguese
Evelyn
Famous People Named Evelyn
E
Evelyn Glennie
Musician
1965
Scottish solo percussionist and first person to successfully make a living as a solo percussionist
E
Evelyn Ashford
Athlete
1957
American sprinter and four-time Olympic gold medalist
E
Evelyn Waugh
Writer
1903
British satirical novelist, author of Brideshead Revisited and Decline and Fall
E
Evelyn Hugo Fictional
Other
Fictional Hollywood golden-age actress from Taylor Jenkins Reid's bestselling novel
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #8
- Total SSA Count
- 9,116
- Cultural Origins
- English French American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Evie
Eve
Lyn
Lynnie
Pairs Well With
Evelyn Rose
Evelyn Grace
Evelyn Jane
Evelyn Mae
Evelyn Claire
Evelyn Louise
Evelyn Ann
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Evelyn is also used as a boy name, ranked #23316.
View Evelyn as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Evelyn
What does the name Evelyn mean?
"wished for child" (from Germanic). "life, bird" (from Norman French). "wished-for child, life" (from Germanic/Norman French). "hazelnut, little bird" (from Alternative etymology). Evelyn originated as an English surname derived from the Norman French feminine name Aveline, itself from the Germanic 'Avila' or possibly related to the Latin 'avis' (bird). It transitioned to a given name for both boys and girls in the 17th century — notably the English diarist John Evelyn carried it as a male name. By the 20th century it had settled firmly as a girl's name in the English-speaking world.
What is the origin of the name Evelyn?
Evelyn has Germanic, Norman French, Germanic/Norman French, Alternative etymology, English, French, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "wished for child". In Norman French, it means "life, bird". In Germanic/Norman French, it means "wished-for child, life". In Alternative etymology, it means "hazelnut, little bird".
Is Evelyn a boy or girl name?
Evelyn is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #8. As a boy name, it is ranked #23316. Evelyn is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Evelyn?
Evelyn is pronounced EHV-uhl-uhn.
How popular is the name Evelyn?
Evelyn is currently ranked #8 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Evelyn?
Common nicknames for Evelyn include Evie, Eve, Lyn, and Lynnie.
What are good middle names for Evelyn?
Popular middle name pairings include Evelyn Rose, Evelyn Grace, Evelyn Jane, Evelyn Mae, Evelyn Claire, Evelyn Louise, and Evelyn Ann.
What are good sibling names for Evelyn?
Names that pair well with Evelyn as siblings include Oliver, Theodore, Henry, Olivia, Charlotte, Amelia, and Eleanor.
How many syllables does Evelyn have?
Evelyn has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Evelyn a common or rare name?
Evelyn is a very popular name, ranked #8 among girl names in the United States.
About the Name Evelyn
Evelyn is a girl name with English, French, and American origins . The name means "wished for child" in Germanic .
Is Evelyn a boy or girl name? Evelyn is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #8 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #23,316. Evelyn is more commonly used as a girl name.
Evelyn is currently ranked #8 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Evelyn has 3 syllables and is pronounced EHV-uhl-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Evelyn include Evie, Eve, Lyn, and Lynnie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Evelyn include Evelynn, Evelina, Evelin, Evelynne, Evelyne . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.