The name Eva is derived from the Hebrew name Chavah, which means "life-giver" or "source of life." It is the original name given to the first woman in the biblical Book of Genesis. In the Hebrew Bible, Chavah is said to be the mother of all living beings, created by God from the rib of Adam, the first man.

The name Eva is a latinized version of the Hebrew name, and it was popularized in various European languages, including English, German, Spanish, and Italian. The earliest recorded use of the name Eva dates back to the 13th century in English and German texts.

One of the earliest historical references to the name Eva comes from the 14th century English poem "Cursor Mundi," which retells the story of the creation and the fall of Adam and Eve. The name Eva also appears in several other medieval literary works, such as the 14th century German poem "Der Ackermann aus Böhmen" by Johannes von Tepl.

In the 16th century, the name Eva gained popularity in various European countries due to the influence of the Protestant Reformation and the renewed focus on the Bible. One of the most famous historical figures with the name Eva was Eva von Trott zu Solz (1901-1944), a German resistance fighter against the Nazi regime during World War II.

Another notable Eva in history was Eva Perón (1919-1952), the second wife of Argentine President Juan Perón and a powerful political figure in her own right. Known as "Evita," she was a champion of the working class and played a significant role in securing women's suffrage in Argentina.

Eva Braun (1912-1945) was the long-time companion and, briefly, the wife of Adolf Hitler. Although controversial, she remains one of the most well-known historical figures with the name Eva.

Eva Duarte (1919-1952), better known as Eva Perón or Evita, was an Argentine political leader and activist who played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement and the rights of the working class in Argentina.

Eva Hesse (1936-1970) was a renowned American artist known for her pioneering work in the field of sculpture, particularly her innovative use of unconventional materials such as latex, fiberglass, and plastics.