A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ivo since 1894
Babies named Ivo per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ivo's real moment was 1894.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 96 |
| 1920s | 124 |
| 1930s | 75 |
| 1940s | 26 |
| 1950s | 28 |
| 1960s | 47 |
| 1970s | 49 |
| 1980s | 31 |
| 1990s | 59 |
| 2000s | 94 |
| 2010s | 121 |
| 2020s | 89 |
Meaning & origin
Ivo is a name with ancient roots, first recorded in the United States in 1894 when it peaked in popularity. After a long period of obscurity, it has been rising again since 1999, though it remains uncommon, with only about 1 in 155,280 boys receiving the name in 2025. Its Germanic origin ties it to the yew tree, a symbol of strength and longevity, while its connection to the Hebrew 'God is gracious' offers a layer of spiritual meaning. Despite its historical use across Europe, Ivo has never been a top-tier choice in America, but its resurgence suggests a growing appreciation for short, distinctive names.
Ivo is a short form of Germanic names beginning with the element 'iv', meaning 'yew', which was used for bows. It is also considered a variant of Ives, derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. The name was borne by several saints, including Saint Ivo of Chartres and Saint Ivo of Brittany, and has been used throughout Europe since medieval times.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Ivo
Names that share Ivo's style, for a brother or sister.
