Evelyn

girlNorman French

Evelyn is a girl name of Norman French, from Germanic origin, meaning “Uncertain; possibly 'desired'”.

MeaningUncertain; possibly 'desired'
GenderGirl
OriginNorman French, from Germanic
PronunciationEV-uh-lin
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia

Meaning and origin of Evelyn

Evelyn arrived in England as the Norman name Aveline, a diminutive of a Germanic name element of uncertain meaning, sometimes linked to avi, 'desired'. It became an English surname and was revived as a given name for both sexes, including the novelist Evelyn Waugh. Today it is almost entirely a girl's name and has been one of the most popular in the United States and Britain in recent years.

Is Evelyn a religious name?

Evelyn has no particular religious background; it is a Norman and English name with a debated meaning.

How popular is Evelyn?

Very popular for girls in the United States and Britain in recent years.

Gifts with the name Evelyn

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Spellings and variants of Evelyn

EvelinaEvelineEvelyneAveline

Names similar to Evelyn

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Evelyn mean?

Evelyn means 'Uncertain; possibly 'desired''. It is of Norman French, from Germanic origin.

Does Evelyn have a religious meaning?

Evelyn has no particular religious background; it is a Norman and English name with a debated meaning.

How do you pronounce Evelyn?

Evelyn is pronounced EV-uh-lin.

Is Evelyn a boy or girl name?

Evelyn is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.