MallowbyNames

Orvil

OR-vil · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Orville.

Peak popularity
1921
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Orvil since 1897

Babies named Orvil per year in U.S. Social Security records.

295786192019602000Most births 1921Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1890s20
1900s38
1910s425
1920s595
1930s384
1940s242
1950s126
1960s65
1970s29
1980s6
1990s5
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Orvil is a variant of Orville, a name that has seen limited but notable usage in the United States. The name first appeared in records in 1897, with its peak popularity occurring in 1921, a year when many traditional masculine names were common. Despite its low frequency in modern times, Orvil has maintained a stable trajectory without significant revival. Its rarity today reflects a broader trend away from early 20th-century naming conventions. While the name did not appear in any top state lists, it remains a distinctive choice with historical resonance.

Orvil is a variant of the name Orville, which is of debated origin. Orville is thought to derive from a French surname meaning 'golden town' (from Old French 'or' meaning gold and 'ville' meaning town) or from an English surname. The name saw modest use in the United States in the early 20th century, peaking in 1921, but has since become uncommon.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Orv

Variants: Orville

Sibling names for Orvil

Names that share Orvil's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

O is for Orvil, our favorite little boy.

O is for Orvil…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Orvil's letter becomes Orvil's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Orvil's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Orvil mean?
Orvil is a variant of Orville, whose meaning is uncertain. It may mean 'golden town' from French origins.
How popular is the name Orvil?
Orvil has been rarely used in recent decades. It peaked in popularity in 1921, with no current rank available.
Is Orvil a boy's name?
Yes, Orvil is traditionally a boy's name.