Also an ancient Greek name. In Greek mythology Ava was a nymph of Kithairon. Another Ava was the daughter of Zenophanes.

Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe have a young daughter named Ava Elizabeth. Ava is a popular celebrity baby name, Heather Locklear´s daughter is named Ava Elizabeth as well.

Be careful... Ava is rising in popularity!

This is extremely common among celebrities. Among Reese Witherspoon and Heather Locklear's daughters, Martina McBride has a daugter named Ava Rose Kathleen.

My name is Ava, but up until recently I thought that it was very uncommon. Apparently it is rising in popularity! Ava is also of Arabic descent and means "fly away" or "bird."

I really don't like this name. It sounds like a name a snooty mother would name her child.

This is a beautiful name, and that is why it is rising in popularity. God, I hope it doesn't become the next Madison...or Ashley...or Alison...that would break my heart.

This is my little sister's name, and it suits her perfectly. I just wish it wasn't getting so popular! I don't want her to be one of those poor kids where someone calls her name, and five kids look over.

This is a really nice name. It is rising in popularity very fast. Someone I know decided to name her daughter Avalon, but calls her Ava since the name has grown so popular. That way if it does get too popular they can go back to using Avalon.

I think Ava is a really nice name. It can also be Latin or Greek for 'airy' or 'like a bird.'

This is a very pretty name, and similar to mine, I would never, ever, name a child or a character a name like that! It is just too common nowadays to use happily and without regret.

SOOOO pretty, but it's getting too popular now so I couldn't name my daughter that. Beautiful name though. =)

Ava is simply ugly and overused.

This is a beautiful name for a girl but it's become far too common and overused in my opinion. And it used to be downright obscure less than ten years ago!

Very beautiful, elegant name. I have also seen Avalee.

Tom DeLonge from Blink-182 also named his daughter Ava Elizabeth.

Ava means "bird" in Latin. Hence where birds are kept is called an AVIARY.

The most common combo for this name seems to be 'Ava Elizabeth'. While this is a nice set, it's funny to see how people think alike :). This name is, to me, very nice and different. Better than Eve or Eva, in my opinion.

This name is kinda weird but now everyone is naming their kids Ava. At least it's not worse than the name Aidan.

Keanu Reeves and his girlfriend were going to name their daughter Ava Archer Syme-Reeves in 1999. The baby girl passed away at birth.

It's popular now, but it's still a very beautiful name and it stands the test of time.

My name is Ava and I love it. It's so unique. I was named after the famous actress Ava Gardner. I was bummed when I heard that it's getting more and more common. Well, I can't blame a parent for loving the name. : )

The origin is sort of undetermined. Sometimes it is said to have been derived (comparatively recently as names go) from the Latin 'avis' meaning bird, but I think it's more likely that someone created it as a variant of Eva, which of course is a form of Eve.

Lori Laughlin played Aunt Ava on the WB's Summerland.

I don't know anyone named Ava or Eva or any version of this name but I'm only in 10th grade. This is one of my favorite names so I really hope it doesn't get overused in the next ten years.

I think it is prettier when spelled Eva.

I'll never understand why people name their children after the people who lost Paradise for the rest of us.

This kind of narrowmindedness annoys me to hell. Believe it or not, but there are people who don't believe a word the bible says and just like this name.

Ava is a lovely name, I like it much better than Eva. And some people here seem to forget that it's not only the name of our 'first mother', but Ava is also the name of a saint.

One of the most soothing, delicate names I've ever heard. Parents beware: your daughters will be known only as Ava G. or Ava M., so as to distinguish them from the 7 other Avas in their class. This name is the next Emily or Sarah, unfortunately. It's still gorgeous though.

Another pronunciation is "ah-vah".

I absolutely love this name- according to a book of names I have, it comes the Latin word for bird. I can really imagine it for a dark-haired, free-spirited teenage girl with a lot of independence. Until I'd read the comments left on here, I didn't realise it was so popular- I don't know anyone called Ava. If I had a daughter, I would definitely call her this- though that would be at least 15 years away, by which point it would be less common.

I personally love the name Ava Maria. It reminds me of Ave Maria.

I love very short names like Ava, and it's a palindrome, too, which is great. Too bad it's gotten far too popular lately.

Ava Phillippe is Reese Witherspoon's daughter. Very cute.

Ugh. What's the big fuss over this name? It's not beautiful at all. And honestly, I think it sounds really masculine. AND it's getting REALLY popular; it's in the top 5! Not cool.

I don't care for this spelling. I prefer Eva. And we all know this got popular because many celebrities have used it on their daughters.

Despite this name's apparent popularity, I've only met one kid named this (and even then, it's possible her name really could have been Eva pronounced somewhat differently). It's really quite a pretty name, quite a nice one to use. I don't like names that are getting very popular, however, so I wouldn't name my kid this but perhaps a character in a story.

I'm sorry, but I really don't know why this name is so popular. To me it sounds sort of flat and dull. I only really like it when it's used in a combo - like Ava-Rose, Ava-May, Ava-Grace or Ava-Louise.

I personally think it sounds pretty. But is it becoming the new "Amy"? I keep seeing it on popularity charts everywhere, but I don't think I've really met anyone with this name yet.

In most European languages (German, French, Italian, as well as the Scandinavian languages) this name is pronounced as Ah-vah (like in Ave Maria). Probably because the pronunciation in Greek in Latin is also Ah-vah.

The name is a derived (Germanic form) from the Hebrew name Chawah/Chava, meaning -bringer of- life.

It's also a popular girls name in Iran (also pronounced as Ah-vah).

I really like this name and find it quite a shame it's so popular. I hope it's not the next Madison or something.

It may also have arisen from the medieval female name Avis, meaning bird.

This name is on popularity charts everywhere I look, and yet, I have yet to hear about, or meet someone with this name.
This name's okay. I don't particularly care for it, especially since it's "popular". It's just too short.

It's simple and quite nice really. :)

I think this name is very relaxing/calming. It is a very nice name to give to a child.

I'm so tired of seeing and hearing this name everywhere. It was considered geriatric and musty not too long ago, like the other old lady names that are now currently so hot (e.g., Sophia, Isabella, Olivia, Lillian), but since some celebrities used it, suddenly everyone else wants to use it too. Ava Rose and Ava Grace are two combos I'm particularly tired of hearing and seeing.

I did find it amusing when I saw a local birth announcement awhile ago for an Ava Maniya. Yes, everyone does seem to have Ava mania lately!

If it was top 5 in 2008, it's gonna be top 3 or 4 when the 2009 names are up. I wouldn't say I like this name but it's not one of my favs.

Such a nice name, such a shame it's getting so common. I really wanted to name my child this or have it for a middle name but it's getting popular. Although it shouldn't matter because people can name their child whatever they want, and I don't blame them with this name. :)

The pronunciation 'ay - va' is exactly the same pronunciation of a fruit in Turkish except with a different spelling. So therefore I cannot hear this name without thinking of a fruit.

A famous bearer is the daughter of Myleene Klass, Ava Bailey.

I like this name for many reasons. 1) it sounds soothing and pleasant 2) it's not too common but so what if it is, it doesn't get undesirable. 3) It's much better than "Eva". 4) In English speaking countries it's considered unique and pretty. 5) It's nice and short, short yet pretty cool.

This name annoys me to the high heavens. There's nothing terribly wrong with the name itself, but the fact that it's so overused today is disgusting. I can't even fathom WHY it's so popular! The name is forever ruined for me, after a mother was talking to mine about how she named her daughter Ava because it's "So unique, and no one else would think use it." I hate the kind of people who only use a name to showcase their own "creativity."

Too minimalist. I honestly can't see why this name is so incredibly popular.

It's everywhere. There are little girls named Ava all over the place. It's starting to get old. And anyway, I don't particularly like the sound. Names ending with -va (with the exception of Ziva) don't really appeal to me.

I think this is an awesome name. I absolutely love it.

"Ava" sounds horribly senile and geriatric-- among being unprofessional and childish. It truly is beyond my mind as to the exact reason why the name has conquered so many numbers. It is not pleasing through eye nor through ear. The hard "A" (as in 'ape') followed by "-va" is gutwrenching. Perhaps it would be less of a nightmare were it pronounced "Ah-Vah" ('a' as in 'father'). though it would remain voteless from me, even if it shifted.

Do your children a favor: Give her a name with individuality! A name that will aid in her professional career, a name that will produce Wows and Awes, a name that she will thank you for.

Since Ava is a popular but very pretty name, here are some alternatives I shall throw your way:
Avalee, Avalie, Avaleigh (any way you want to spell it)
Avalyn (ditto)
Avalon
Avis/Avice
Eva
Avery (kind of masculine, but you know, it's there.)
Avaline (AV-a-leen)
Avalene (AY-va-leen)

Or you might just like Ava. Whatever. Sorry to those people who don't like names to be meddled with (though Ava is an alteration of Eve anyway.)

For all of Ava's supposed popularity, I have never met a single person with this name, adult or child. I quite like it: it's short, pretty easy to pronounce, and it's a palindrome. However, I do prefer the similar-sounding Aveline (AV-uh-leen) as a name I would consider using.

A nice alternative would be the Irish Éabha, which is pronounced the same - AY-va. And it means the same thing, as it is a variant of Eve as well.

I agree with those who said that this name sounds "generic". Personally I think that Ava is a gorgeous name. It's short and sweet, plus I'm getting a bit of a glamorous vibe from it. Popularity certainly didn't spoil this name for me (I still wouldn't USE it though). I'm kinda bothered by the disproportionate amount of celebrities naming their children this. I could name more celebrity babies named Ava than the top 5 names together. But whatever. Still, I'd rather meet ten more Avas than one Addison, Emma, Isabella or Mia.

Ava Lavinia Gardner was an iconic American actress.

I am a teacher and have taught a LOT of Ava's. It is probably the most common girls' name in my school. So if you think you are being original naming your daughter Ava, not so. But if you love it, go ahead.

Ava Reese Biermann (b. 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) is the daughter of actress Andrea Roth and producer Todd Biermann.

Ava Emmanuelle (b. 1999 in Los Angeles, California) is the daughter of American actress Rya Kihlstedt and Canadian actor Gil Bellows.

I don't care how popular it is, I think it's gorgeous. It sparkles, but not in a cheesy, Neveah way. It's a keeper.

Ava Elizabeth (born 1999 in Los Angeles, California) is the daughter of American actors Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe.

Ava Grace (born 2011 in Dallas, Texas) is the daughter of American TV personality and former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Melissa Rycroft and her husband, Tye Strickland.

It's an okay name but I do not really like it. It's way too common and everyone I knew with the name I hated and was mean and other stuff.

It's a palindrome. I personally like Eva better, though.

I mean, I know this name has a history to it, but every time I hear or see it, I automatically think of babies, because it's been so commonly used in the past few years. I can only picture a baby, toddler, or old woman named Ava. Personally, I think it's going to sound very weird on a teenager or middle aged woman. The sound of it is ok, but I don't think I'll ever understand why it's so dang popular. To me, it's the stereotypical 2010's baby name.

I've never met anyone with this name, weird to think its so popular! Its nice and short, very pretty name, I think.

If we're talking about the name Ava pronounced "AY-va" then I think this name is gorgeous! I like how it's short and pretty, and it's also very cute. I know a little girl named Ava, and I think it not only suits her age group, but it also suits adults, teens, and kids. This name also sounds professional. I like the name Ava very much.

This name is overused for no reason. There are like 8 Ava's in my school. This name is ugly and tacky. In fact, it doesn't sound like a name. It sounds like something to call a technology device, like how an anonymous user said, a radio. It is way worse than Nevaeh. If you name your child this, you have no taste at all. I'd rather call my child "Gay-va" instead of "Ava". No offence to anyone, this is just my opinion.

I was surprised when I saw this name in the top 5. It became popular so quickly out of nowhere. It's refreshing to see Ava up there next to the stale Emily and Isabelle. I suspect it has to do with babies of celebrities called Ava. Also, young adults seem to be attracted to names that were uncommon in their own generation and their parents' generation.

I met a girl a little younger than me named Ava over 10 years ago (I'm in my 20's now). For only 3 letters, I thought it was a stunning name. People here are just complaining about it because their opinions are warped by the knowledge that it became popular.

For people who say "it can't be that popular because I've never met an Ava," bare in mind that it JUST became popular. Most of the Ava's in the US, at least, are under the age of 5. Like, seriously, how many 5 years olds do you know? Don't worry. You will be meeting loads of Ava's 20 years from now. And unlike Elizabeth and Sarah, most Ava's will be in the same age group.

Remember, this name has only been popular for a few years. How long have the names Mary and Jennifer been popular?

I don't know why so many here dislike this name. To my ears it sounds lovely, soft and strong at the same time, great for a little girl as well as an adult. I love this name really, it's one of my favourite Victorian names. I live in the UK and I don't know anyone called Ava in our area, no little children and no elderly women. So it might be used a lot in the USA but not in Europe. By the way.. people on here who don't like it.. it is an offense to say "people who use this name have no taste". Live and let live :)

I think this name is beautiful! It is one of my favorites. I plan to name one of my daughters Ava. Yes, it's common, but it's classic and feminine and many people don't know it, but Ava is the name of a saint. Ava is also a great nickname for Avelyn.

I've never liked this name. I don't think it sounds nice at all, only nasally. I don't really get it's popularity.

Actually, I take Latin in school and 'Ava' is not a Latin word. 'Avis' (pronounced AH-vis, rhymes with novice) is. That's why people tend to think Ava means bird.

I feel sorry for those little girls named Ava. I wonder why people are choosing these trendy names for kids nowadays. Very boring.

It says that this is one of the top most common girl names in the world, but I live in the US and have literally never met one single Ava.
Personally I think the name is sweet, and sounds pretty. But also too short.
Cheers. :)

When I was born, Ava didn't even rank in the top 100, but is now the fifth most common name. I know four other Ava's.

This name is nice, but I had no idea it was so popular. I have never met an Ava.

I can't believe this trendy, tacky, trashy name is so popular. The English "AY-və" pronunciation most people are using is so ugly sounding and lacking in depth any real beauty. The Iranian and German (AH-vah) pronunciation not many people use is the REAL beauty in my opinion; it sounds sweet and sophisticated and has a nice meaning.

You know what, the name Ava pronounced the English way (AY-və) has actually grown on me! I guess it was the popularity that put me off from liking this name. Anyway, I take it back saying this name was tacky and trashy. I really adore this name now. It's so cute and pretty! :D.

This is a nice enough name, but little girls with this name are everywhere - I feel like every time I go to the store, some mother is calling, "Ava, put that back! We're not buying that today!" or "Time to go, Ava!" I can see why fans of the name like it, but it's pretty overused at this point.

This is my six year old daughters name. Unfortunately we had no idea it was so common when we chose it, we just picked it from a baby name book because we liked it! I still love the name but do cringe every time I meet another Ava (which is very often), she is though, the only one in her school with this name, but I'm sure that will change soon enough!

Ava Wilson is a minor character on the television series "Supernatural." She only appears in the second season.

I can't really say I like this name. I find it a bit old. But it is also a little refreshing to hear! I hear it a lot.

I don't get why this has become a popular baby girl's name these days. I personally don't care for it.

I like Ava and how it means life. It's a nice form of the name biblical name Eve. No nicknames, and will age beautifully!

My name is Ava and I absolutely LOVE it. I love the fact that it's a palindrome. It used too be so unique, and I was always the only Ava in the school. However, THIS NAME IS GETTING WAY TOO POPULAR. I feel like the world is being taken over by an army of 7 year old Ava's. Every time I walk through a grocery store or a mall my ears are assaulted by the bittersweet sound of, "Avaaaaaaaa". It is getting a little repetitive. Don't get me wrong, if you want to name your kid Ava, It's a great name. However, it is no longer super unique. I would recommend choosing another name until at least a few decades have gone by.

I love Ava, but it is way too common. I have a friend with this name, who loves it, but is irritated at its popularity. So classic and feminine!

Ava is a gorgeous name for any girl to have. I had a love hate relationship with this name but I personally feel that one of my daughters should have this name. I know two versions of this name that sound good without it being simple and plain Ava- Avianna and Avaliese. Personally I'm more in love with Avaliese. But a lot of people don't like it because it's made up... oh well their loss. But even by itself Ava is a great name. I think a good combination of it is either Ava Madison or Ava Elizabeth. Both really cool and classic together but don't give up on the name Ava just because it's popular!

I find this name to be extremely boring. I don't get why it's so overused.

This name sounds horrible, I much prefer the name Eva! Eva's beautiful and trendy then Ava sounds disgusting, ugly and dull.

Pronounced "ay-vah".

Not sure why this is so popular. I don't mind it, but Eve seems like a better name to me. Also, it's less confusing to pronounce than Ava (ay-va or ah-va?) or Eva (ev-a, ee-va, or ay-va?). But you've got to admit Ava looks pretty.

I absolutely love Ava. It's one of those names I don't mind being popular, but I wouldn't use it until the popularity dies down.

I love this name! Ava is my name and Eva seems way too dull to me... so ha, Ava is the best name there is!

To be honest I don't think this name is very pretty, though I prefer it over "Avery" for females. Something about it just doesn't sound pleasing to my ears. It's also becoming common as dirt, which to me can make a name lose a lot of originality and can make it feel boring. I would suggest Aveline, instead.

I really don't get why this name is so popular now. It just doesn't sound too pleasing to the ear, it's almost hostile sounding in my opinion. Avery sounds much prettier.

I named my daughter Ava when she was born in 2011. I absolutely love it, and so far not real common in our location. Her name is Ava Theresa