Ebba is of Old Norse origin, meaning "boar" or "wild sow". It was a popular name among the Scandinavian nobility during the Viking Age, often borne by queens and noble ladies. The name gained prominence through historical figures such as Queen Ælfgifu of England, also known as Æbbah, who was married to King Cnut the Great in the 11th century. Today, Ebba is still used in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden and Denmark, but it has also begun to appear more frequently in other English-speaking countries due to its unique sound and historical significance. It is often associated with strength, leadership, and elegance, reflecting the qualities of those who have borne this name throughout history.
The name Ebba had a brief resurgence in popularity between 2019 and 2023, with six births each year during this period, after a gap of five years without any occurrences from 2014 to 2018. Prior to the dip, there were also five births in 2013. Overall, 22 babies named Ebba have been born since 2013.