Find out how popular the first name Raven has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Raven by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Raven is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 93% of people named Raven being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 841 female babies and 42 male babies born with the name Raven.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 42 baby boys were named Raven in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Raven

The given name Raven has its origins rooted in Old English, derived from the word "ræfn," which directly translates to the black feathered bird, the raven. This name's history can be traced back to the 5th century AD when the Anglo-Saxons inhabited parts of what is now known as England.

The raven held significant symbolic meaning in various ancient cultures, often associated with wisdom, prophecy, and the supernatural. In Norse mythology, the raven was sacred to Odin, the god of wisdom and war, and was considered a messenger between the realms of the living and the dead.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Raven can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record of events in England from the 9th century. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Ræfn" and "Ræfne," indicating its widespread use during that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Raven. One of the most famous was Raven the Black, also known as Raven of Mannheim (c. 1455 - c. 1522), a renowned German soldier and mercenary captain who fought in various wars and conflicts during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Another historical figure was Raven Hart (1876 - 1949), a British author, and journalist who wrote extensively about the Middle East and was known for his works on Arabic culture and language.

In literature, the name Raven gained prominence through the works of American writer Edgar Allan Poe, particularly his famous poem "The Raven" published in 1845. This iconic work helped to cement the association between the name and the mystical, dark, and macabre.

Other notable individuals with the name Raven include Raven Wilkinson (1935 - 2018), an American ballet dancer who was one of the first African American women to dance with a major classical ballet company, and Raven-Symoné (born 1985), an American actress, singer, and television personality best known for her roles in the Disney Channel series "That's So Raven" and "Raven's Home."

The name Raven has also been used in various works of fiction, such as the character Raven from the popular Teen Titans animated series, further solidifying its association with mystery, intelligence, and a certain darkly alluring quality.

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

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

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