Rising since 1985, #1,458 for girls today.
Popularity of Avalon since 1907
Babies named Avalon per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2014, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Avalon's real moment was 2025.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 26 |
| 1920s | 194 |
| 1930s | 133 |
| 1940s | 34 |
| 1950s | 43 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 123 |
| 1990s | 465 |
| 2000s | 1,085 |
| 2010s | 1,332 |
| 2020s | 773 |
Meaning & origin
Avalon entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1907, but it remained extremely rare for most of the 20th century. From the 1980s onward, the name began a steady climb, and in 2025 it reached its peak rank of 1,458. That year, approximately 1 in 10,934 baby girls received the name, reflecting its niche appeal. States with the highest relative usage include Oregon, Arizona, and Wisconsin. The name's literary and mythical associations, tied to the enchanted island of Arthurian legend, give it a romantic, otherworldly quality that resonates with parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding name. Its rise since 1985 aligns with broader trends toward mythological and nature-inspired names, and while it remains uncommon, its trajectory suggests continued growth.
Avalon is a legendary island from Arthurian legend, first appearing in Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th-century 'Historia Regum Britanniae'. The name may derive from Old Welsh 'aballon' meaning 'apple', referring to the mythical Isle of Apples. It gained modern use as a given name, particularly for girls, in the late 20th century.
Where Avalon is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ava, Lonnie, Avy
Sibling names for Avalon
Names that share Avalon's style, for a brother or sister.
