Evelyn
Gender: Girl
Meaning: Wished-for child; life
Origin: English surname origin, possibly from the French Aveline (hazelnut) or from the Hebrew Eve (life)
Popularity: Ranked #8 in 2025 with 9,123 babies born.
History: Evelyn began as an English surname — most famously associated with diarist John Evelyn in the 17th century. It was used for both boys and girls in the early 20th century before settling firmly as feminine. The name peaked in the 1910s, faded mid-century, and has enjoyed one of the biggest revivals in recent naming history, climbing from relative obscurity in the 1990s back into the U.S. top 10 by the 2020s. Evie is its irresistibly charming nickname.
Famous people named Evelyn: Evelyn Hugo (fictional character), Evelyn Nesbit (model), Evelyn Waugh (author)
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Evelyn? About 1 in 365 babies born in 2025 were named Evelyn, or roughly 25 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Evelyn
What does the name Evelyn mean?
Evelyn means “Wished-for child; life” from English surname origin, possibly from the French Aveline (hazelnut) or from the Hebrew Eve (life) roots.
What is the origin of the name Evelyn?
Evelyn has English surname origin, possibly from the French Aveline (hazelnut) or from the Hebrew Eve (life) origin. The traditional meaning is “Wished-for child; life”.
How popular is Evelyn?
Evelyn ranked #8 in 2025 — given to 9,123 babies that year.
When was Evelyn most popular?
Evelyn peaked in 1921 with 14,278 babies registered that year.
Is Evelyn a boy or girl name?
Evelyn is predominantly a girls' name — over 90% of Evelyns in registered births are female.
How long has Evelyn been recorded?
Evelyn appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.