"the raven, large black crow"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Raven
Pronunciation: [ r-AYV-uhn ]
Girl Name
#388 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A mystical nature name steeped in mythology and magic
American
English
Norse-inspired
Native American
Bold
Vintage
Whimsical
Unique
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"divine messenger, thought"
Origin: Norse
Language: Norse
The Story of Raven
Raven comes from the Old English 'hraefn,' referring to the large corvid bird known for its intelligence and glossy black plumage. Ravens appear across global mythology with remarkable consistency. In Norse mythology, Odin kept two ravens named Huginn ('thought') and Muninn ('memory') who flew across the world each day reporting what they observed. As a human name, Raven emerged in English-speaking cultures as part of the nature-name movement, prized for its dark beauty and mythological depth.
Raven gained popularity as a girl's name in the 1990s-2000s, significantly boosted by Disney Channel's 'That's So Raven' (2003-2007) starring Raven-Symone. The show's success made the name recognizable and likable to a generation of young viewers, cementing its place as a cool, bold nature name with supernatural flair.
In Pacific Northwest Native American traditions, Raven is a powerful creator deity and trickster who brought light to the world by stealing the sun. In Norse mythology, Odin's ravens Huginn and Muninn represent thought and memory. Edgar Allan Poe's 1845 poem 'The Raven' made the bird iconic in American literary culture, adding a gothic, melancholic dimension.
Fun Facts
- Ravens are among the most intelligent birds on Earth—they use tools, solve puzzles, and have been observed engaging in play
- Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven' (1845) is one of the most memorized poems in American history
Raven in Other Languages
Norse
Hrafn
Welsh
Cigfran
French
Corbeau (translation)
German
Rabe
Spanish
Cuervo (translation)
Famous People Named Raven
R
Raven-Symone
Entertainer
1985
American actress, singer, and TV personality, star of 'That's So Raven' and co-host of 'The View'
R
Raven Baxter Fictional
Other
Psychic protagonist of Disney Channel's 'That's So Raven' (2003-2007), one of the network's most beloved characters
R
Raven (Teen Titans) Fictional
Other
DC Comics superhero and member of the Teen Titans, known for her empathic powers and dark aesthetic
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #388
- Total SSA Count
- 813
- Cultural Origins
- American English Norse-inspired Native American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Raye
Rae
Pairs Well With
Raven Grace
Raven Skye
Raven Belle
Raven Marie
Raven Elise
Raven Brooke
Raven Jade
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Raven is also used as a boy name, ranked #2813.
View Raven as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Raven
What does the name Raven mean?
"the raven, large black crow" (from Old English). "divine messenger, thought" (from Norse). Raven comes from the Old English 'hraefn,' referring to the large corvid bird known for its intelligence and glossy black plumage. Ravens appear across global mythology with remarkable consistency. In Norse mythology, Odin kept two ravens named Huginn ('thought') and Muninn ('memory') who flew across the world each day reporting what they observed. As a human name, Raven emerged in English-speaking cultures as part of the nature-name movement, prized for its dark beauty and mythological depth.
What is the origin of the name Raven?
Raven has Old English, Norse, American, English, Norse-inspired, and Native American origins. In Old English, it means "the raven, large black crow". In Norse, it means "divine messenger, thought".
Is Raven a boy or girl name?
Raven is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #388. As a boy name, it is ranked #2813. Raven is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Raven?
Raven is pronounced r-AYV-uhn.
How popular is the name Raven?
Raven is currently ranked #388 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Raven?
Common nicknames for Raven include Raye and Rae.
What are good middle names for Raven?
Popular middle name pairings include Raven Grace, Raven Skye, Raven Belle, Raven Marie, Raven Elise, Raven Brooke, and Raven Jade.
What are good sibling names for Raven?
Names that pair well with Raven as siblings include Phoenix, Sage, Ember, Luna, Orion, Willow, and Onyx.
How many syllables does Raven have?
Raven has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Raven a common or rare name?
Raven is a popular name, ranked #388 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Raven
Raven is a girl name with American, English, Norse-inspired, and Native American origins . The name means "the raven, large black crow" in Old English .
Is Raven a boy or girl name? Raven is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #388 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,813. Raven is more commonly used as a girl name.
Raven is currently ranked #388 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Raven has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-AYV-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Raven include Raye and Rae. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Raven include Ravenna . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.