Find out how popular the first name Ives has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ives by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Ives is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ives.

The history of the first name Ives

The given name Ives has its origins in the Old French language, derived from the Germanic name Ivo, which itself is a shortened form of the name Hivo or Ivo. This name can be traced back to the 8th century and is thought to have been derived from the Germanic word "iwa," meaning yew tree.

Ives was a relatively popular name among the French nobility during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ives can be found in the Domesday Book, a historical record commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions an individual named Ives de Grandmesnil, who was a Norman landowner in England.

During the 12th century, there was a renowned French philosopher and theologian named Ives of Chartres (c. 1040-1115). He was a prominent figure in the scholastic movement and is known for his influential works on logic and metaphysics.

Another notable figure in history who bore the name Ives was Saint Ives (c. 1253-1303), a Breton priest and lawyer who became the patron saint of lawyers and abandoned causes. His feast day is celebrated on May 19th in the Catholic Church.

In the 15th century, there was a French architect named Ives le Breton (c. 1435-1514), who is credited with designing several notable buildings in Paris, including the Tour Saint-Jacques and the Petit-Pont.

Fast-forwarding to more recent times, Ives Gandra da Silva Martins (born 1935) is a prominent Brazilian jurist and writer who has served as a member of the Federal Supreme Court of Brazil.

While the name Ives has its roots in Old French and has been relatively popular throughout history, especially among the French nobility and clergy, it is less common in modern times. However, it remains an intriguing name with a rich historical background and connections to notable figures from various fields.

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 Ives was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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