Find out how popular the first name Nelva has been for the last 1 years (from 1976 to 1976) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nelva by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Nelva is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1976, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nelva.

The history of the first name Nelva

The given name Nelva appears to have originated in the Scandinavian region, likely derived from the Old Norse root "Nel" or "Nell", which means "cloud" or "mist". This name gained popularity during the Viking era, particularly in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nelva can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of Norse literature dating back to the 13th century. In these sagas, Nelva was mentioned as the name of a brave shieldmaiden who fought alongside the Vikings during their raids and battles.

Interestingly, the name Nelva also appears in some ancient Norse mythology, where it was associated with the goddess of clouds and rain, known as Nelva-Freyja. This goddess was revered by the Vikings for her ability to bring fertility and bountiful harvests.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nelva. One of the earliest recorded examples is Nelva Eriksdotter (c. 1150-1210), a Norwegian noblewoman who played a significant role in the political affairs of her time. Another prominent figure was Nelva Håkonsdatter (c. 1270-1330), a Swedish princess and patron of the arts, known for her support of poets and writers.

In the realm of literature, Nelva Thorvaldsdottir (1820-1895) was an Icelandic author and poet whose works celebrated the beauty of the Icelandic landscape and the strength of its people. Additionally, Nelva Kristjansdottir (1865-1938), an Icelandic scholar and linguist, made significant contributions to the preservation of the Icelandic language and its rich literary heritage.

Moving into more recent times, Nelva Björnsdottir (1930-2008) was a Norwegian athlete and Olympic gold medalist in cross-country skiing, renowned for her endurance and determination on the slopes.

While the name Nelva may not be as common in modern times, its rich historical roots and cultural significance make it a unique and intriguing choice for those seeking a name with a strong connection to the Viking era and Scandinavian heritage.

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

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

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