Rising since 1995, #1,382 for boys today.
Popularity of Ivar since 1896
Babies named Ivar per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 109 |
| 1920s | 114 |
| 1930s | 84 |
| 1940s | 33 |
| 1950s | 45 |
| 1960s | 45 |
| 1970s | 36 |
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 48 |
| 2010s | 260 |
| 2020s | 668 |
Meaning & origin
Ivar is a name with deep roots in Old Norse history, often associated with the legendary Ivar the Boneless. In recent years, it has been rising in popularity in the United States, with its rank in 2025 being 1382, up from 1591 in 2024. The name is most common in states like Arizona, Ohio, and New York, reflecting a steady climb since the mid-1990s. With a 1-in-12843 birth rate, Ivar remains a distinctive choice for parents drawn to Nordic heritage.
Ivar derives from the Old Norse name Ívarr, composed of elements meaning 'yew tree' (or 'bow') and 'warrior'. The name was borne by several notable figures in Norse history and legend, including Ivar the Boneless, a feared Viking leader mentioned in the Icelandic sagas. It has been in continuous use in Scandinavia and gained some popularity in English-speaking countries through Viking-era revivals.
Where Ivar is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ivar” around the world
Where Ivar lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
New Zealand
16
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ivy
Variants: Ivar
Sibling names for Ivar
Names that share Ivar's style, for a brother or sister.
