Haven

Meaning of Haven

Haven is an English word-name that traces back to the Old English hæfen, “harbor” or “refuge,” and it carries precisely that sheltered feeling into modern use. As a given name it began appearing quietly on U.S. birth records in the mid-20th century, then drifted upward in the charts—especially after high-profile parents such as Jessica Alba chose it—until it settled into the current middle-hundreds, with about 1,500 American girls receiving the name in 2024. Its appeal lies in a tidy blend of minimalism and imagery: two syllables, soft consonants, and an immediate promise of calm waters. Haven also benefits from sounding familiar yet distinct; it nods politely to Heaven without the theological weight and offers a gender-neutral option that still feels gently feminine. For parents, the name functions like a built-in welcome mat reading “safe place,” an idea that apparently resonates regardless of coastal proximity.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as HAY-vuhn (/ˈheɪvən/)

• Harper