How to Choose the Name "Ava" For Your Baby

Although the name "Ava" enjoyed a small surge of popularity in the 1950s due to actress Ava Gardner, the name has leaped into the top 10 over the the last few years. Traditionally both a boy's name and a girl's name, today's modern "Ava" is certain to be a girl. With a little mystique and a lot of feminine charm, "Ava" is a popular choice for baby girls today. Read on for more information.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. The name "Ava" is pronounced /AY-vah/ and its origin is uncertain, although it has been most recently linked to Germanic roots. Some experts believe it is a variation of Avis or Aveline, which were popular medieval given names. It might also be a variation of Eva or Evelyn.
2. The meaning of the name "Ava" is unknown, although its distant cousin, Eva means "Living one."
3. The name "Ava" has its most famous name bearer as Ava Gardner (actress), although there have been others. Saint Ava (9th century abbess), the German poet known simply as Ava and singer Ava Barber have all laid claim to this lovely name as well. Several fictional characters on modern television dramas and soap operas have the name "Ava."
4. Variations of the name "Ava" are plentiful, including "Avah" and "Avis." The name "Ava" is also being used more often as a dominant part of combination names such as "Avalee," "Avelina," "Avelyn" and "Aveline."

Tips & Warnings

• Before giving your child a first name, make sure your choice sounds good with the given middle and last name. They will have their name for a long time and it should be something they are proud of.
• Avoid embarrasing initials for your child, such as "APE" or "ASS."