Iva: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are historically significant cultural celebrations in many parts of the world, often honoring the saint associated with a person's name on a specific calendar date. The name Iva is a concise and elegant choice, reflecting both vintage charm and natural resilience. Originating primarily from Slavic roots, it carries botanical significance related to the willow tree, suggesting flexible strength and natural beauty. The mood associated with Iva is sophisticated and quietly strong, projecting an air of refined simplicity. Notably, those named Iva in Czechia traditionally celebrate their name day on December 1st.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Iva's name day is celebrated
on December 1 in Czechia.
The Story Behind This Name
The name Iva has maintained a consistent but generally low-key presence in the United States, appealing to parents favoring short, simple names. Its usage experienced its highest peak around the turn of the 20th century, notably between the 1890s and 1920s, reflecting broader trends for streamlined feminine choices. Historically, the name's simplicity allowed for easy assimilation across various immigrant populations in the US. While it eventually dropped out of the top 1000 national rankings for an extended period, Iva occasionally sees renewed interest as a vintage revival option. Today, it remains a rare choice, offering a streamlined alternative to more common three-letter names popular in American culture.
Name origin and meaning
The primary origin of Iva is traced back to Slavic languages, where the name frequently relates to the willow tree, specifically the pussy willow, known as *iva*. In this botanical context, the name carries associations of nature, resilience, and flexible strength. Furthermore, Iva is widely recognized as a diminutive or shortened form of longer names, most commonly Ivana. Since Ivana is the feminine form of Ivan, the name can indirectly share the root meaning, which translates to "God is gracious." Thus, the etymology of Iva is multifaceted, drawing on both natural imagery and deep religious heritage.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Globally, Iva is definitively classified as an overwhelmingly feminine given name. Its identity as a female identifier is strongest throughout Central and Eastern Europe, where it is a highly established and traditional choice. In countries such as Croatia, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic, Iva functions purely as a girl’s name. While phonetic variations might exist in other languages that could theoretically lead to masculine nicknames, standard worldwide recognition places Iva squarely in the female category. This strong regional establishment ensures its gender identity is rarely ambiguous.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
Iva projects a mood that is both antique and refreshingly modern due to its concise structure. The name possesses a crisp, elegant tone, suggesting refinement without unnecessary flourish or complexity. Its short length and strong initial vowel give it a decisive feel, contrasting with the soft, nature-like associations derived from its willow tree connection. Overall, the vibe leans heavily toward sophisticated simplicity and quiet strength, making it feel mature. It is an uncomplicated name that avoids being overly delicate or playful.
Mirror Magic: Iva & Avi
Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.
See also:
Avi: Name Day, Name Meaning & More Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Iva
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 5 – The Freedom Seeker.
Keywords: Adventure, change, curiosity, independence, versatility.
Positive Traits: Adaptable, energetic, adventurous, progressive, dynamic.
Challenges: Can be reckless, restless, or avoid responsibility.
Life Path Meaning: A path of embracing change, exploration, and personal freedom.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 8 - The Achiever.
Traits: Ambitious, goal-oriented, authoritative, financially focused.
Strengths: Strong leadership, good at managing money, disciplined.
Challenges: Can be materialistic, dominant, or overly focused on success.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Mercury - Communication, Intelligence, Adaptability.
Mercury is the planet of intellect, speech, and agility. Names under Mercury’s influence often belong to individuals who are quick-witted, analytical, and articulate. They thrive in social interactions, learning environments, and dynamic situations where adaptability is key. These names tend to reflect intelligence, curiosity, and the ability to process information quickly.
Name days: Name Iva
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
Name days: Similar names (Iva)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Bulgaria | January | 7 | Encho, Enio, Ioan, Ioana, Ivan, Ivanka, Ivayla, Ivaylo, Ivelin, Ivelina, Ivet, Ivo, Kaloian, Kaloyan, Vania, Vanio, Yoan, Yoncho, Yonka, Yonko, Yoto, Zhan, Zhana |
 Greece | January | 7 | Gianna, Giannis, Ioannis, Ivana, Jeannette, John, Prodromos |
 Latvia | January | 8 | Erhads, Gatis, Gundabis, Ivanda |
 Croatia | January | 12 | Arkadije, Ernest, Živana |
 Norway | January | 22 | Ivan, Vanja |
| Latvia | January | 29 | Aivars, Valerijs |
 Lithuania | January | 29 | Aivaras, Girkantas, Valerijus, Zibute |
| Croatia | January | 31 | Ivan, Julije, Marcela |
| Norway | January | 31 | Idun, Ivar |
 Sweden | January | 31 | Ivar, Joar |
| Latvia | February | 27 | Andra, Daiva, Liva, Livija |
| Latvia | March | 1 | Ikars, Ilgvars, Ilvars, Ivars |
| Croatia | March | 8 | Ivan, Pačista |
| Latvia | March | 12 | Aija, Aiva, Aivis, Ausmins, Gregors |
| Croatia | March | 27 | Ivan Damašć., Lada, Lidija, Rupert |
 Czechia | April | 4 | Ivana |
| Croatia | April | 7 | Epifan, Herman, Ivan de la Salle |
| Lithuania | April | 14 | Justinas, Vaisvyde, Vaiva, Valerijonas, Visvaldas |
 Hungary | April | 20 | Tivadar |
| Croatia | May | 10 | Gospa Trsat, Ivan Merz |
 Estonia | May | 11 | Leevo, Liivar, Liivo |
| Latvia | May | 14 | Aiva, Duda, Elfa, Krisjanis, Kriss |
| Croatia | May | 16 | Andrija Bobola, Ivan Nepomuk, Nenad |
| Croatia | May | 18 | Ivan I. papa, Srecko, Venancije |
 USA | May | 19 | Dumont, Duncan, Dunstan, Indigo, Ivar, Ives, Wright, Yves |
| Sweden | May | 24 | Ivan, Vanja |
 Finland | May | 29 | Livia, Oiva, Oliver, Olivia |
| Croatia | May | 30 | Ivana Arška |
| Estonia | June | 2 | Veevi, Viiva, Viive, Viivi, Viivia, Viivika, Vivian |
 Spain | June | 3 | Cecilio, Clotilde, Davino, Kevin, Luciniano, Oliva |
| Croatia | June | 10 | Bl. Ivan Dominici, Dijana, Margareta |
| Croatia | June | 12 | Bosiljko, Ivan Fakundo, Nino |
| Latvia | June | 14 | Kitija, Klitija, Saiva, Sentis, Tija |
| Finland | June | 16 | Päivi, Päivikki, Päivä |
| Lithuania | June | 18 | Arnulfas, Ginbutas, Marina, Vaiva |
| Croatia | June | 22 | Ivan Fisher, Toma More |
| Croatia | June | 24 | Rodenje Ivana Krstitelja |
| Hungary | June | 24 | Iván |
| Spain | June | 24 | Ivana, Iván, Jean, Joan, Jon, Juan, Juana |
 Ukraine | June | 24 | Bohuslav, Bohuslava, Boris, Boryslav, Boryslava, Ivan, Jean, Joan, Johanna, John, Slavka, Slavko, Yvonna |
| USA | June | 24 | Giovanna, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Jana, Jean, Jeanette, Jeannette, Johan, John, Johnnie, Johnny, Juan, Juana, Juanita, Sean, Shana, Shane, Shanna, Yancy |
| Czechia | June | 25 | Ivan |
| Croatia | June | 26 | Ivan, Pavao, Vigilije, Zoran |
| Estonia | June | 26 | Manivald, Vaane, Vaano, Vaino, Vane, Vanevald |
| Latvia | June | 30 | Mareks, Talis, Talivaldis |
| USA | July | 6 | Godiva, Isaiah, Isaias, Isiah, Jamaal, Jamal, Jamel, Jamil, Pallas, Shea, Shyanne |
| Norway | July | 8 | Sunniva, Synne, Synnøve |
 Slovakia | July | 8 | Ivan |
| Spain | July | 22 | Magdalena, Primitiva, Teófila, Zaida, Zoraida |
| Croatia | July | 23 | Brigita Švedska, Ivan Cassian, Slobodan |
| Croatia | August | 4 | Ivan M. Vianney, Ivica, Tertulijan |
| Lithuania | August | 6 | Bylotas, Daiva, Karolina |
| Croatia | August | 13 | Hipolit, Ivan Berchmans, Poncijan |
| Croatia | August | 19 | Ivan Eudes |
| Estonia | August | 22 | Iivo, Ivalo, Ivar, Ivari, Ivo |
| Finland | August | 22 | Iivari, Iivo |
| USA | August | 26 | Percival, Percy, Travis, Trevis, Trevon, Trevor |
| Croatia | August | 29 | Glavosijek Ivana Krstitelja, Sabina R. |
| Croatia | September | 13 | Ivan Zlatousti, Ljubo |
| Croatia | September | 18 | Irena, Ivan Macias, J. Kupert. |
| Latvia | September | 23 | Ivanda, Omula, Vanda, Veneranda |
| Croatia | October | 9 | Dionizije, Ivan Leon, Ljudevit Bertran |
| Croatia | October | 23 | Borislav, Ivan Kapistran, Severin |
| Latvia | October | 26 | Amanda, Kaiva |
| Croatia | November | 9 | Ivan Lateranski |
| Hungary | November | 9 | Tivadar |
| USA | November | 9 | Orestes, Sullivan, Vaughan, Vaughn |
| Croatia | November | 14 | Ivan Trogirski, Nikola Tavelic |
| Croatia | December | 4 | Barbara, Ivan Damašcanski |
| Croatia | December | 11 | Ivana Franciska Ch. |
| Estonia | December | 12 | Aivar, Aiver, Aivo |
| Croatia | December | 13 | Ivan, Krševan |
| Croatia | December | 22 | Ivan Kentijski, Viktorija |
| Croatia | December | 26 | Ivan ev., Ivo, Janko |
| Slovakia | December | 28 | Ivana |
Iva A Name of Elegant Resilience
Iva is a historically significant feminine name, appreciated in the USA primarily during the early 20th century before becoming a less common, yet elegant choice today. It finds its origin in Slavic languages, often connecting to the willow tree or serving as a diminutive of Ivana, lending it a naturally strong tone. The mood of the name suggests sophisticated simplicity and resilience, appealing to those seeking quiet strength. Recognized globally as distinctly female, Iva holds particular cultural weight in Eastern European regions, where, for example, its dedicated name day in Czechia falls on December 1st. This rich tapestry of history, meaning, and cultural celebration defines the essence of Iva.
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