Ava is a feminine given name of English origin, typically regarded as a variant of Eve, the biblical name meaning 'life' or 'living one'. The name Eve is derived from the Hebrew חַוָּה (Chavvah), which is often interpreted as 'to breathe' or 'to live', according to Genesis 3:20. Ava has also been linked to the Latin name Avis, meaning 'bird', but the modern usage is overwhelmingly connected to Eve. A famous bearer was the American actress Ava Gardner (1922–1990), a major Hollywood star known for her roles in films such as Mogambo and The Night of the Iguana. Her celebrity helped bring the name into public awareness, though it was not among the most common names for much of the 20th century. Rise in PopularityThe name Ava began to experience a dramatic surge in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly after actress Heather Locklear and musician Richie Sambora named their daughter Ava in 1997. This event is widely credited with sparking a renewed interest in the name, which quickly rose through the ranks in the United States and other English-speaking countries. While primarily seen as a variant of Eve, the name's short length and pleasing sound likely contributed to its appeal, falling into the trend of brief, vowel-rich names like Mia, Ella, and Grace. By the 2010s, Ava consistently ranked within the top ten for girls in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Its popularity also inspired variant spellings and related forms, such as Avah, Aviana, and Avianna. Across other cultures, similar names include Eva (used widely in languages from Swedish to Estonian), Hawa in Swahili, and Hawwa in Dhivehi. Cultural Significance Today, Ava is one of the most beloved names in the English-speaking world, favored for its simplicity and elegance. Its consistent top-ten status in many countries makes it a modern classic, while its ties to both biblical heritage and Hollywood glamour give it a timeless quality.