A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Alvina since 1880
Babies named Alvina per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Alvina's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 533 |
| 1890s | 981 |
| 1900s | 976 |
| 1910s | 2,075 |
| 1920s | 1,936 |
| 1930s | 979 |
| 1940s | 616 |
| 1950s | 525 |
| 1960s | 356 |
| 1970s | 420 |
| 1980s | 312 |
| 1990s | 259 |
| 2000s | 198 |
| 2010s | 226 |
| 2020s | 110 |
Meaning & origin
Alvina is a rare but enduring name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, the very first year of Social Security data. It peaked in popularity in 1891, during the 1890s revival of antique names, and has since become uncommon. In 2025, it ranked 6,116, with roughly 1 in 84,593 girls receiving the name. After a long decline, the name has been rising in use since 2010, driven perhaps by a renewed interest in vintage names. The name was most frequently given in California, suggesting a modern preference for its melodic sound over its historical roots. Its similar-sounding variants like Alvyna and Alveena are even rarer. Alvina remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with old-world charm and a gentle meaning.
Alvina is a feminine given name of uncertain but likely Old English or Germanic origin. It may derive from the Old English name Ælfwine, composed of ælf 'elf' and wine 'friend', meaning 'elf friend'. Alternatively, it could be a feminine form of Alwin, from the Germanic elements adal 'noble' and win 'friend', thus 'noble friend'. The name has been used in England since medieval times and was revived in the 19th century.
Where Alvina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alvina” around the world
Where Alvina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Alvi, Vina, Lina
Variants: Alvyna, Alveena
Sibling names for Alvina
Names that share Alvina's style, for a brother or sister.
