Eveline is a unique and elegant female given name of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic elements 'adal' meaning "noble" or " Mobility" and 'hild' meaning "battle". Thus, Eveline can be translated as "noble in battle".
The name Eveline was introduced to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 when William the Conqueror invaded from Normandy. It was initially more common among the nobility due to its meanings, but over time it became popular among all social classes.
Eveline has been used throughout history by several notable figures. For instance, there was an Eveline von Rosenheim who was a German noblewoman during the Middle Ages. She was known for her intelligence and charitable works.
The name Eveline gained popularity in the Victorian era (1837-1901) due to its use in literature. In Charlotte Brontë's novel "Villette", the protagonist is named Lucy Snowe, but she often goes by her middle name Eveline.
Today, Eveline remains a less common yet distinctive name that carries with it a rich history and elegant meaning. It is often shortened or paired with other names such as Evelyn or Eva for a modern twist on this classic name.
The name Eveline experienced significant variation in popularity over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was moderately popular with around 5-20 births per year. However, it peaked in the 1910s, with a high of 69 births in 1917. After World War II, its popularity declined sharply, dropping to single digits most years from the 1940s onwards. In recent decades, Eveline has been quite rare, with fewer than 10 births per year since the 1980s, and only 29-34 births in each of the past five years (2018-2022).