Find out how popular the first name Elva has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Elva by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Elva is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Elva being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 37 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Elva.

The history of the first name Elva

The given name Elva has its origins in the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Norse people who inhabited Scandinavia and parts of northern Europe during the Viking Age (circa 800-1050 AD). The name Elva is derived from the Old Norse word "elfr," which means "swan" or "river." It is believed that the name was initially given to children born near rivers or those with a graceful demeanor akin to swans.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Elva can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of historical narratives and literary works dating back to the 13th century. In the Saga of Erik the Red, a character named Elva is mentioned as a settler in Greenland during the late 10th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals bearing the name Elva. One of the earliest known was Elva of Verden (c. 1050-1128), a German noblewoman and abbess who played a significant role in the religious life of medieval Germany. She was renowned for her piety and her efforts in establishing and reforming monasteries.

Another notable Elva was Elva Zona Heaster (1887-1897), an American child whose mysterious death in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, led to the conviction of her husband, Erasmus Stribbling Trout Shue, in a case that became known as the "Greenbrier Ghost" trial. Elva's ghost allegedly appeared to her mother and helped uncover the truth about her murder.

In the world of literature, Elva Heaster Olson (1871-1957) was an American author and educator who wrote several books on the history of West Virginia, including "The Monongahela of Old" and "The Cherokee Trail."

Elva Famborough (1909-1987) was a British actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions throughout her career, including the 1935 film "The Ghost Goes West" and the original London production of the musical "Gypsy" in 1973.

Lastly, Elva Trill (1924-2007) was a Canadian lawyer and judge who made history as the first woman appointed to the County Court of Manitoba in 1976. She was highly respected for her legal acumen and her dedication to promoting gender equality in the legal profession.

While the name Elva is not as common today as it once was, its rich history and unique meaning have ensured that it remains a part of the cultural heritage of the Norse people and those who trace their ancestry back to the Viking era.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Elva was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Elva, please contact us.

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