The name Iva is a feminine given name that has its origins in various cultures and languages around the world. It is believed to be derived from the Hebrew name Eva, which means "life" or "living one." In some Slavic languages, such as Russian and Serbian, the name Iva is a diminutive form of the name Ivan, which is the equivalent of the English name John.

In ancient times, the name Iva was mentioned in several religious texts and historical records. In the Bible, Iva is an alternative spelling of the name Eva, the first woman according to the Book of Genesis. The name was also present in ancient Greek mythology, where Iva was a minor goddess associated with youth and springtime.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Iva dates back to the 12th century, when a Benedictine nun named Iva von Görz lived in what is now Austria. In the 14th century, Iva Hlohovská was a Bohemian noblewoman and landowner in the region of present-day Czech Republic.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Iva. Iva Toguri d'Aquino (1916-2006) was an American woman of Japanese descent who was convicted of treason for being a broadcaster on Japanese radio during World War II, although her conviction was later pardoned. Iva Ikuko Toguri (1925-1945) was a Japanese-American poet and author who died in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.

In the realm of arts and culture, Iva Withers (1917-2014) was a Canadian actress and singer who appeared in numerous stage productions and films throughout her career. Iva Frühlingová (1923-2003) was a Czech actress and comedian known for her roles in several Czech films and television shows.

Another notable figure was Iva Toguri (1883-1957), a Japanese educator and women's rights activist who founded the Tokyo Women's Higher Normal School and advocated for women's education in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.