Meaning: multiple
Origin: English
Alternate spellings: Evelin, Evalynn, Evalynne, Evelynne
Evelyn has a variety of meanings (all really sweet ones, too.) It comes from the English name Aveline, the Norman French version of the Germanic Avelina. The word part avi, means “desired.” Evlin, the English version of the Irish name Eibhleann means “radiance,” or “beauty.” The Latin avis means bird.
When it was first used as a first name in the 17th Century, it was more common for boys, but now it is almost exclusively used for girls. The last time the name was as popular in the U.S. for girls was in the 1940’s. (In 1910 it was #10 on the list!)
By The Numbers
U.S. Rank by Year
2000: 150
2004: 84
2008: 54
Rank of Similar Names in 2008
Evelin 811
Eve 655
Evie 853
Evelyn Ratings
Here’s how Babble readers rate Evelyn. How would you rate her temperament?
