Raven is a unique and striking female given name of English origin. The name has gained popularity in recent years due to its association with the popular fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin, where Raven Targaryen is a prominent character.
The name Raven itself does not have a specific meaning or derivation from any language. It is simply a name that refers to the large black bird known as the raven. Ravens are intelligent and adaptable birds that are often associated with wisdom and mystique in various cultures throughout history.
Despite its lack of traditional meaning, the name Raven has become increasingly popular due to its distinctive sound and association with powerful female characters in popular culture. In addition to appearing in George R.R. Martin's series, Raven has also been used as a character name in other forms of media such as comic books and video games.
Overall, Raven is a unique and striking female given name that draws inspiration from the intelligence and adaptability of its namesake bird. While it may not have a traditional meaning or derivation, its popularity has grown due to its association with powerful characters in popular culture.
It appears that the name Raven has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time, with notable spikes occurring from the mid-1970s onwards. The most popular years for the name were 1997 (142 births), 1998 (169 births), and 1999 (188 births). However, in recent years, its popularity has declined, with only 57 births recorded in 2022. Overall, there have been a total of 3243 births given the name Raven since these records began.