All about the name EVELYN

Meaning, origin, history.

Evelyn is a feminine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English name Ælfnþiu, which was composed of two elements: ælf, meaning "elf", and niu, meaning "new". Thus, Evelyn means "elf new" or "noble new".

The name Evelyn has been popular throughout history, with notable bearers including Evelyn Waugh, a renowned English novelist and essayist, and Evelyn de Morgan, a prominent British ceramic artist. However, its peak popularity was during the late 19th to early 20th century.

Evelyn is also associated with several significant historical figures. Saint Evelyn (also known as Ælfwynn) was an Anglo-Saxon princess who lived in the 10th century. She is revered as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church for her piety and virtue. Additionally, Evelyn Nash was one of the first female police officers in the United States, serving in the early 20th century.

In literature, Evelyn appears in works such as "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas, where she is a character named Valentine de Villefort, who later adopts the name Evelyn. In more recent times, Evelyn Carnahan (played by Rachel Weisz) is a prominent character in the 1999 film "The Mummy".

The name Evelyn has also been used as a surname, particularly among families of English descent. Notable individuals with the surname Evelyn include John Evelyn, an English diarist and gardener, and David Evelyn, an American actor.

Overall, Evelyn is a name with a rich history and meaningful origin, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their daughter.