Holding steady.
Popularity of Ival since 1911
Babies named Ival per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1939, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ival's real moment was 1911.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 56 | 77 |
| 1920s | 47 | 91 |
| 1930s | 24 | 80 |
| 1940s | 0 | 44 |
| 1950s | 0 | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ival is a rare unisex name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1911, the same year it reached its peak usage. Since then, it has maintained a stable but extremely low frequency, with no recorded rank in recent decades. The name's opaque etymology contributes to its mystery: it may be a variant of the Norse Ivar or a modern invention. Ival has not been associated with any specific region or top states, reflecting its scattered, idiosyncratic use. For parents seeking a truly uncommon name with a simple, two-syllable sound and flexible gender identity, Ival offers a blank slate, free from strong cultural or historical associations.
The origin of Ival is unclear. It may be a variant of the Norse name Ivar, meaning 'yew bow' or 'archer,' or a borrowing from Finnish Ivalo, a place name. It could also be a modern American coinage, possibly influenced by names like Ivan or Iva. The name saw limited use in the early 20th century in the United States, peaking around 1911.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ivy, Val
Sibling names for Ival
Names that share Ival's style, for a brother or sister.
