The name Evelin is a feminine given name of English and German origin, derived from the Old English and Old German words "avn" and "lind," meaning "desired" and "gentle," respectively. The combination of these words suggests the meaning "desired and gentle" or "desired gentleness."

The earliest recorded use of the name Evelin dates back to the 12th century in England, where it was spelled as "Evelina." It was a popular name among the English nobility during the Middle Ages. One notable bearer of the name was Evelin de Lisle, an English noblewoman who lived in the 13th century.

In Germany, the name Evelin gained popularity in the 16th century, often spelled as "Evelyne" or "Evelina." It was a common name among the German aristocracy and bourgeoisie. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in Germany was Evelin von Oesterreich, a German noblewoman who lived in the 15th century.

The name Evelin has also been associated with various religious and literary figures throughout history. In the Bible, the name is mentioned as "Evelyna," a variant spelling of the name Eve. Additionally, the name appears in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned English poet of the 14th century.

Some notable individuals named Evelin throughout history include:

1. Evelin Lau (1567-1635), a German writer and playwright.
2. Evelin Zabel (1618-1672), a German painter and engraver.
3. Evelin Oppenheimer (1830-1912), a German-Jewish philanthropist and social reformer.
4. Evelin Piccard (1909-1999), a Swiss explorer and aeronaut, known for her high-altitude balloon flights.
5. Evelin Sakash (born 1964), a German actress and television host.

The name Evelin has maintained its popularity across various cultures and time periods, reflecting its enduring appeal and rich historical significance.