Throwback Thursday: Christmas EVE

Hello, readers!

I'll be taking a break from my series on American Given Names this week to focus on names related to Christmas Eve - or rather, names related to Eve, in the past and present!

I haven't played around with the Name Voyager in while, so this will be fun! I'll be looking at names that begin with Eve, for all genders. 

Eve

The first female name mentioned in the Bible, Eve has had a wild ride up and down the top 1000 - it even disappeared for half of the 1980's and 90's. It means "life", referring to the original Eve's creation. It's short and strong, with hundreds of namesakes throughout history - though unlike almost every other name I've seen, there are no recorded male Eve's in US name history. 

Eva

The more popular variation Eva is currently ranked at #82, though throughout the late 1800's and early 1900's it was firmly in the top 50. It's Latin styling makes it incredibly popular cross-culturally, so if you're looking for a name that can travel the globe, Eva is ideal. Like Eve, there are hundreds of historical namesakes, including Eva Peron and Little Eva from Uncle Tom's Cabin. 

Evelyn (Evelin, Evelynn)

Currently at #16, Evelyn is the most popular Eve name on the list. Evelyn has stayed mostly in the top 200 during its recorded history, and even ranked briefly on the boys' list in the early 1900's. While the name means "desired", it's not hard to think of it as a mash-up name between Eve and Lynn. Its nickname Evie is currently ranked at #14 in the UK. 

Evelina

Nameberry reports that this name was popular in the Middle Ages, but I'm not seeing it mentioned in DMNES? In any case, this is a lovely Eve name that looks like a variation of Evelyn, but is actually related to the French Aveline, also meaning "desired". I like the nickname possibilities offered by Evelina - Lina especially - and its feminine melody. 

Everett (Evert, Everette)
Slowly climbing back up the list from its lowest point in 1995, Everett is riding the T-ending trend and Evelyn's coattails. Everett means "brave as a boar", and also offers some nice nicknames: Evie and Rett (like Rhett or Jett). Switch out the first T for an S and you have a powerful nature name, or add a -te to the ending and feminize it a bit.

Everly (Everleigh)
An aural alternative to the ever-popular Emily, Everly (and sister spelling Everleigh) are firmly on the US top 1000. The meaning is a little funky - "wild boar in a wodland clearing", from what I can find - but the sound and Ever-beginning is adorable. It's also a nice alternative to Avery, Evelyn and dozens of other names in the top 100.

Any Eve names not on my list? Tell me your favorites in the comments!