Evelyn is a feminine given name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It is derived from the Old English word "Ælfgifu," which was composed of two elements: "ælf," meaning elf or noble, and "gifu," meaning gift. Thus, Evelyn means "elf gift" or "noble gift."
The name Evelyn has a rich history dating back to medieval England. It was often used as a female form of the name Aelfgifu, which was borne by several Anglo-Saxon queens, including Ælfgifu of Northampton, who was married to King Harold I. Throughout the Middle Ages, Evelyn remained a popular choice for girls in England.
In the 19th century, Evelyn gained further popularity due to its use in literature. It appeared as a character name in several works by prominent authors, such as Washington Irving's "Tales of the Alhambra" and Henry James' "The Ambassadors." This exposure helped to popularize the name even more.
Today, Evelyn continues to be a beloved choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name for their daughters. While it may have originated in medieval England, its meaning and history make it a timeless option for families around the world.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Evellyn has seen varying levels of popularity over time in the United States.
From 1924 to the present day, there have been a total of 180 births registered with the name Evellyn. The most popular years for the name were recent ones, with 18 births recorded in 2019 and 12 births each in 2017 and 2021. However, it's worth noting that there was also a significant peak in popularity in 2013 with 15 births.
Interestingly, there have been years with only one birth registered for the name Evellyn, such as in 1924 and 2023. This suggests that while Evellyn is not an extremely common name, it has still seen some level of consistent use over time.
Overall, these statistics show that the name Evellyn has experienced fluctuations in popularity throughout different periods, with more recent years seeing a slight increase in its usage. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to many other names.