Origin and Meaning of Evelyn

Wished for; a desire

Origin: English - Originally derived from the French name 'Aveline,' which means 'hazelnut'. The name evolved in English, partly influenced by the male name 'Evelyn' from the Old French, associated with 'a little bird'.

• Evelyn has been used as a given name since the 19th century and has remained popular in English-speaking countries.
• Historically, Evelyn has been used for both boys and girls, but it has become predominantly a female name in recent times.
• Notable bearers of the name include Evelyn Waugh, a British author known for his novels, and Evelyn Glennie, a Scottish percussionist and composer.
• Evelyn has seen a resurgence in popularity since the 1990s, particularly in the United States, where it has been consistently ranked among the top 100 names for girls.
• Variations of Evelyn include Evelina, Eve, and Evie, each having its own charm and popularity.