Iva

The first name Iva represents the female, Czech variant of Ivo. Translated, this name means "the yew" or, in a broader sense, "the archer."

What does the name Iva mean?

Iva is the feminine form of Ivo and has Czech roots. The direct translation is "the yew," while the more liberal interpretation is "the archer." The name originates from the Old High German term 'iwa,' which stands for "the yew," "the bow made of yew wood," and "the bow." Iva is also considered a variant of the name Ivana, which is widespread in Slavic languages and derives from Johanna, whose origin lies in the ancient Greek Iōánnēs (Ἰωάννης). In a figurative sense, it means "the God-given," "God is gracious," and "God is kind." Its roots trace back to the ancient Hebrew Yôchânân or Yehochanan, derived from the components yo (יֹו) or yeho (יְהוֹ) meaning "the name of God" and ḥanán (חָנַן), which means "to be gracious," "to be merciful," "to grant favor," or "to have compassion." Additionally, there is a connection to the Old Slavic word iva (и́ва) or jьva, meaning "the willow." The Portuguese form of the name is Ivã, and there are also variants such as Iwa, Iben, Ivka, Ivon, and Yvon.

Where does the name Iva come from?

Iva is a female first name with ancient Hebrew and Old High German origins, meaning "the archer" or "the God-given." The ancient Hebrew roots consist of the components yo or yeho, meaning "the name of God," and ḥanán, meaning "to be gracious" or "to be merciful." The Old High German origin refers to the word 'iwa,' which means "the yew," "the bow made of yew wood," or "the bow." In the Old Slavic language, iva (и́ва) or jьva stands for "the willow." Iva is common in several languages, including Danish, Italian, Croatian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish, Slovak, Slovenian, and Czech.

How do you pronounce Iva?

The pronunciation of Iva is clear and consists of two syllables. In German, the name is usually pronounced as "I-va" [ˈiːva], starting with a long I sound that radiates brightness. The voiced v gently connects with the open ending "-a." Iva has a simple and elegant aura – a name that impresses with its reduced form and clear presence.

When is the name day of Iva?

Iva celebrates her name day on February 4, May 12, May 24, May 30, August 12, August 24, August 26, and December 12.

Popularity

Iva is a widely used first name in Germany. Currently, it ranks 303rd on the list of the most common female first names. Its best placement was in 1932 when it reached 275th place. In the last ten years, the name Iva has been given about 1,600 times, placing it 352nd in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 382nd. Worldwide, Iva also enjoys a certain popularity.

Nicknames & pet names

Ika / Ivaca / Ivchen / Ivek / Ivi / Ivica / Ivikiwi / Ivuschka / Ivy

Similar first names

Iwa

Famous people

• Iva Balaban (Croatian model)
• Iva Bittova (Czech singer & actress)
• Iva Budarova (Czech tennis player)
• Iva Ciglar (basketball player from Croatia)
• Iva Frühlingova (Czech model)
• Iva Fruhlingova (singer from the Czech Republic)
• Iva Grbas (basketball player from Croatia)
• Iva Grijalva Pashova (model from Bulgaria)
• Iva Hercikova (Czech writer)
• Iva Janzurova (Czech actress)
• Iva Jerkovic (Croatian model)
• Iva Kitchell (dancer from Ireland)
• Iva Kramperova (musician from the Czech Republic)
• Iva Landeka (Croatian footballer)
• Iva Majoli (tennis player)
• Iva Marjanovic (Croatian actress)
• Iva Mihanovic (Croatian opera, operetta, musical, concert singer; wife of Maximilian Schell)
• Iva Misak (Croatian alpine ski racer)
• Iva Obradović (Serbian rowing athlete)
• Iva Obradovic (Serbian racing rower)