Alva
Meaning: Guardian of all, elf warrior
Origin: Germanic/Spanish
Gender: Girl
Rank in Sweden: #8
Total births: 14,593
History: Alva surged in Sweden in the 2010s and carries enormous cultural weight. Alva Myrdal won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982 — she was one of the architects of Sweden's welfare state. The Old Norse meaning 'elf/supernatural being' adds mythological depth. Alva represents Swedish women who changed the world through policy, peace, and social engineering.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Sweden’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2022) | #17 |
| Babies named Alva in 2022 | 393 |
| Total recorded in Sweden | 14,593 |
| Peak year | 2006 (895 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #4 |
| Years in records | 1998–2022 (25 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 2 spots |
Frequently asked about Alva
What does the name Alva mean?
Alva means “Guardian of all, elf warrior” from Germanic/Spanish roots.
What is the origin of the name Alva?
Alva has Germanic/Spanish origin. The traditional meaning is “Guardian of all, elf warrior”.
How popular is Alva in Sweden?
Alva ranked #17 in Sweden in 2022 — given to 393 babies that year.
When was Alva most popular?
Alva peaked in 2006 with 895 babies registered that year in Sweden.
Is Alva a boy or girl name?
Alva is predominantly a girls' name in Sweden — over 90% of Alvas in registered births are female.
How long has Alva been recorded in Sweden?
Alva appears in birth records in Sweden across 25 years — from 1998 through 2022.