The name Evelyn, pronounced EV-lin (/ˈɛv.lɪn/), is of English origin and has a rich history and timeless appeal. Originally used as a surname, Evelyn transitioned into a popular given name by the 19th century. The name is believed to derive from the Old French "Aveline," meaning "hazelnut." It has been associated with elegance and sophistication, often evoking images of literary heroines and classic beauty. Variations of the name include Evelin and Evelynn. In recent years, Evelyn has consistently ranked among the top names for baby girls in the United States, maintaining its position within the top 10 since 2017. This enduring popularity highlights its classic charm and modern relevance, making it a beloved choice for parents seeking a name that bridges tradition and contemporary style.
Evelyn Waugh - Arthur Evelyn St. John Waugh was an influential English writer known for his novels, biographies, and travel books, including the renowned works Decline and Fall, A Handful of Dust, Brideshead Revisited, and the Second World War trilogy Sword of Honour. |
Evelyn Underhill was an English Anglo-Catholic writer and pacifist renowned for her extensive writings on religion and spiritual practice, particularly Christian mysticism, with her most famous work being Mysticism, published in 1911. |
Evelyn Nesbit was a prominent American artists' model and actress, known for her career in New York City and her involvement in the scandalous murder of architect Stanford White in 1906. |
Edythe Evelyn Gandy was the first woman elected to a statewide constitutional office in Mississippi and served as Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi from 1976 to 1980. |
Evelyn Baring, 1st Earl of Cromer, was a prominent British statesman, diplomat, and colonial administrator known for his influential role in overseeing Egyptian finances and governance during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. |
Evelyn Boyd Granville, the second African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics from an American university, made significant contributions to the field of computing. |
Evelyn Glennie - Dame Evelyn Elizabeth Annie Glennie is a Scottish percussionist and was awarded the Polar Music Prize in 2015. |
Evelyn Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire - Evelyn Emily Mary Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, was a prominent figure who oversaw the reorganization of the Devonshire estates and presided over several English houses and an Irish castle. |
Evelyn Lord Pruitt was an influential American geographer known for her contributions to the field of remote sensing and as the editor of The Professional Geographer. |
Evelyn Preer was a pioneering African American actress and singer known as "The First Lady of the Screen" in Hollywood during the late-1910s through the early 1930s. |
Evelyn Ashford is a retired American track and field athlete, 1984 Olympic champion in the 100-meter dash, and world record-holder in the 60-yard dash. |
Evelyn Venable was an American actress known for her role in Death Takes a Holiday and as the voice and model for the Blue Fairy in Disney's Pinocchio. |
Evelyn Brent was a prominent American film and stage actress. |
Evelyn Florence Terhune was an American fencer and fencing coach who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics and served as the head coach of the women's fencing team at Fairleigh Dickinson University. |
Evelyn Ida Morris, also known as Pikelet, is a non-binary musician from Melbourne, Australia, who prefers to use "they/them/their" pronouns. |