A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ivah since 1880
Babies named Ivah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 101 |
| 1890s | 174 |
| 1900s | 122 |
| 1910s | 174 |
| 1920s | 141 |
| 1930s | 70 |
| 1940s | 21 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 52 |
| 2020s | 43 |
Meaning & origin
Ivah is a rare 19th-century name that peaked in the 1890s, with a rank of 10,917 in 1895. It is given to about 1 in 200,908 babies as of 2025, placing it among the most uncommon names in the U.S. The name saw a modest revival beginning in 2019, after decades of obscurity. Its origins are uncertain, but it may be a variant of Eve or Eva, drawing on Hebrew roots. Ivah's sound aligns with other vintage short names like Ada and Iva, and it carries a gentle, old-fashioned charm. Its rarity today makes it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with historical resonance but without widespread modern use.
Ivah is likely a variant of Eva, itself derived from the Hebrew name Ḥawwāh, meaning 'life' or 'living one'. The name appears in the 19th century, possibly as a phonetic spelling or diminutive. It saw modest use in the late 1800s, especially in the 1890s, but declined sharply after the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Iva
Sibling names for Ivah
Names that share Ivah's style, for a brother or sister.
