Find out how popular the first name Velva has been for the last 10 years (from 1974 to 1983) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Velva by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Velva is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1983, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Velva.

The history of the first name Velva

The name Velva has its origins in the Scandinavian languages, particularly in Old Norse. It is derived from the Old Norse word "velva," which means "seeress" or "prophetess." This word is believed to have come from the Proto-Germanic "*walwōn," meaning "to turn" or "to revolve," referring to the practice of casting spells or divining the future.

In Old Norse mythology, the Velva was a powerful figure, a woman with the ability to see into the future and communicate with the gods. These seeresses were highly respected and played a crucial role in major events and rituals. The name Velva was likely given to girls born with a strong connection to the spiritual realm or those believed to have special powers.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Velva can be found in the Prose Edda, a 13th-century Icelandic work that documents Old Norse mythology and legends. The text mentions a character named Velva, who is described as a wise and powerful seeress.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Velva. One of the most famous was Velva Indreko (1897-1986), an Estonian archaeologist and academic who made significant contributions to the study of prehistoric Estonia. Her excavations and research helped shed light on the ancient cultures that inhabited the region.

Another notable Velva was Velva E. Hendrix (1890-1963), an American educator and civil rights activist. She was one of the first African American women to earn a doctorate in education and worked tirelessly to promote equal educational opportunities for Black students in the United States.

In the realm of literature, Velva Shon (1893-1977) was a prominent Australian author and playwright. Her works often explored themes of love, relationships, and the struggles of women in the early 20th century. She was a pioneer in Australian feminist literature and received numerous accolades for her contributions.

The name Velva was also borne by Velva Burton (1927-2007), an American actress and singer. She had a successful career on Broadway and was known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence.

Lastly, Velva Shoen (1931-2022) was a Canadian painter and printmaker renowned for her abstract expressionist works. Her vibrant and expressive paintings were widely exhibited and celebrated, and she was recognized as one of Canada's most influential contemporary artists.

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

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

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