Name meaning & originEvelyn
/EV-ah-lin/
Evelyn is an English, French baby name pronounced /EV-ah-lin/. The name is often interpreted as meaning 'wished for child' or 'little bird'.
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Meaning of Evelyn
The name is often interpreted as meaning 'wished for child' or 'little bird'.
It derives from the Old French name Aveline, which is a diminutive of the Germanic name Avila. It is also linked to the Hebrew name Eve, meaning 'life'. While originally a Norman surname, it transitioned into a masculine given name before becoming predominantly feminine in the 20th century.
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- /EV-ah-lin/
Cultural background
Currently, Evelyn is a very popular name in English-speaking countries, often associated with a vintage or 'grandparent' style that has seen a modern resurgence.
Variations & nicknames
- Evaline
- Evelina
- Evie
- Eveleen
- Evelynne
- Aveline
Famous people named Evelyn
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Evelyn Waugh
English writer known for 'Brideshead Revisited'
Literature · 20th Century
Evelyn Glennie
Renowned virtuoso multi-percussionist
Music · Contemporary
Evelyn Ashford
Olympic gold medalist sprinter
Sport · Late 20th Century
Evelyn Keyes
American film actress known for 'Gone with the Wind'
Film · Golden Age of Hollywood
Evelyn Reed
American philosopher and social activist
Politics · 20th Century
Frequently asked about Evelyn
- Is Evelyn originally a boy's name or a girl's name?
- Historically, Evelyn was used as a masculine name in England, but it transitioned to being almost exclusively feminine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- What are common nicknames for Evelyn?
- The most common nicknames are Evie, Eve, Lyn, and Ev.
- How do you pronounce Evelyn?
- In American English, it is typically pronounced 'EV-ah-lin', while some British variations use 'EEV-lin'.
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