The name Elvia is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Latin name Helvia, which in turn is believed to have evolved from the ancient Roman family name Helvius. The name Helvius may have its roots in the Etruscan language, with possible connections to the words "hel" meaning "sun" or "hellu" meaning "bright."

The earliest recorded use of the name Elvia dates back to the Middle Ages in Spain and Portugal, where it was a relatively uncommon name. It is thought to have been more prevalent among the nobility and upper classes during this time period.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Elvia was Elvia de Lara, a Spanish noblewoman who lived in the 12th century. She was the wife of Rodrigo Pérez de Traba, a prominent Galician nobleman and military leader.

Another notable Elvia from history was Elvia Carrillo, a Mexican nun and Catholic saint who lived in the 16th century. She is remembered for her piety and devotion to helping the poor and is venerated in parts of Mexico and Central America.

In the realm of literature, one of the earliest mentions of the name Elvia can be found in the 16th century Spanish novel "La Celestina" by Fernando de Rojas. The character Elvia is portrayed as a young woman of noble birth.

Moving forward in time, a famous Elvia from the 19th century was Elvia Wilbur, an American abolitionist and women's rights activist. She was a prominent figure in the anti-slavery movement and worked alongside notable leaders such as William Lloyd Garrison and Harriet Tubman.

Another Elvia of historical significance was Elvia Carrio, an Argentine politician and lawyer who was born in 1959. She was a leading figure in the fight against corruption in Argentina and founded the political party Coalición Cívica.

While not as common as some other Spanish names, Elvia has maintained a presence throughout history, with various bearers of the name leaving their mark in different fields, from politics and activism to religion and literature.