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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Alva

85 replies

Leeloo1233 · 05/07/2021 17:19

What do you think of this female name mostly given in Scandinavia?

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ThePearlOfDumbarton · 05/07/2021 17:21

I like it, it's so international.
Alba is Spanish - dawn
Alva is Irish as well as Scandinavian (ailbhe)

ThePearlOfDumbarton · 05/07/2021 17:22

Its meaning in Irish is noble or bright.
What's its meaning in Scandinavian

Comedycook · 05/07/2021 17:23

Sounds like an electronics brand to me...although I still like it!

ThePearlOfDumbarton · 05/07/2021 17:27

I see it means Elf in Scandinavian countries.

Interesting. The name Elva is also used in Ireland. I only know two so it's not exactly common but it is used. Elva is also lovely imo and has that norse /gaelic vibe

Original poster
Leeloo1233 · 05/07/2021 17:29

Google says it's the feminine form of the name Alf and means 'elf' but it can also be considered unisex which is why it is becoming really popular.

OP posts:
ThePearlOfDumbarton · 05/07/2021 17:31

Well, I think it's really pretty so it's a yes vote from me for a girl but a no for a boy, it just doesnt sound unisex to me!

ArchbishopOfBanterbury · 05/07/2021 17:32

I think I'd put an R on the end for a boy. Without, its lovely, but definitely seems feminine to my ear.

drpet49 · 05/07/2021 17:36

I think vulva.

wanderedlonelyasacloud · 05/07/2021 17:37

I love it, I know a little Alva and think it's a wonderful name

Pinkandpink · 05/07/2021 17:39

drpet49
Yes same here

SionnachRua · 05/07/2021 17:39

I prefer Elva tbh but Alva is alright. Seems like it'd travel well.

lostfrequencies · 05/07/2021 17:39

I think vulva too, sorry.

JovialNickname · 05/07/2021 17:39

I'm sorry but it sounds like vulva for me too

AlohaMolly · 05/07/2021 17:40

Oh I love Alva!

Iggi999 · 05/07/2021 17:41

To me, it is the village closest to Menstrie in Clackmannanshire.

Trinacham · 05/07/2021 17:42

@drpet49

I think vulva.
Was going to comment the same before I saw you already had!
Geamhradh · 05/07/2021 17:42

@drpet49

I think vulva.
Then you're extremely odd. I have known two, one was my mum's cousin and male. The other is a female student of mine, and she's Italian. I really like it.
MarjorieBouvier · 05/07/2021 17:43

Brand of nappy

Bobbots · 05/07/2021 17:45

Also think vulva, sorry

Popkids · 05/07/2021 17:50

It's Thomas Edison's middle name (thank you pub quizzes) if that has any bearing...

Anoisagusaris · 05/07/2021 17:56

I love it in Irish - Ailbhe. Don’t like the ‘look’ of Alva as much.

Melon790 · 05/07/2021 17:56

Reminded me of Aviva? Or some sort of car insurance company or probiotic drinks

weebarra · 05/07/2021 18:06

I like Alva but to me it's a town in Clackmannanshire.

Trinacham · 05/07/2021 18:12

@Geamhradh or not extremely odd, since quite a few people have said it reminds them of that! It ends in the same 3 letters and rhymes with it. Better people be honest, as OP may not have thought about it.

Cbeebiesrehab · 05/07/2021 18:17

Prefer Elva.