Iva feels like a fresh new baby name, but it's actually a vintage name that was one of the most popular monikers in the United States until 1961. There are some debates about its origin, but many agree it's derived from the feminine name Ivana and masculine name Ivan. Whatever origin you like best, pair Iva with a traditional middle name to create the perfect name for your little girl.

Meaning of the name Iva:

Hebrew: God is gracious
Slavic: God is gracious
English: Ivy plant

Origin of the name Iva:

Iva has several potential origins, but the most popular theory is that it's derived from the name Ivana, which is the feminine version of the Slavic name Ivan. Ivan is a derivative of the name John. Some people believe it's a nickname for Jane. Another idea is that Iva is derived from the English plant name Ivy.

Symbolism of the name Iva:

Because the name Iva means “God is gracious,” religious parents may find symbolism here. If you associate the name with the plant ivy, you may see it as a symbol of immortality and eternal life or faithfulness.

Style of the name Iva:

Traditional

Gender of the name Iva:

Iva is a girl's name.

Pronunciation of the name Iva:

EE-vuh

Number of syllables in the name Iva:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Iva:

The baby name Iva evokes images of someone who is calm, fair and diplomatic.

Alternative spellings for the name Iva:

  • Eva 
  • Eevuh
  • Evuh
  • Ivuh

Nicknames for the name Iva:

Popularity of the name Iva:

According to the Social Security Administration, Iva was a top 1,000 baby name for girls in the United States until 1961. It last ranked at number 879 in 1961.

Related names for the name Iva:

Great middle names for Iva and their meanings:

Famous people with the name Iva:

  • Iva Marín Adrichem (singer)
  • Iva Bittová (musician)
  • Iva Budařová (tennis player)
  • Iva Janžurová (actress)
  • Iva Frühlingová (model)

Ivas in popular culture:

  • Iva Snyder (character on the soap opera “As the World Turns”)
  • Iva (character from the manga series “Karneval”)
  • Iva Archer (character in the movie “The Maltese Falcon”)