Marva

Meaning of Marva

Marva is a distinctly American feminine name, likely coined in the late 19th century either as a variant of Marvel—stemming from Old French merveille, meaning “wonder”—or as a blend of Mary and Eva. Its pronunciation, MAR-vuh, remains consistent in both British and American English. Regional data from Ohio between 1935 and 1970 place Marva’s annual rank among female births between 149 (in 1936) and the mid-200s, after which it gradually declined. Though today one is more likely to encounter Marva in archival birth lists than on a modern playground roster, that very rarity lends it a quietly retro appeal. The name also carries cultural resonance through figures such as educator Marva Collins and blues singer Marva Wright, underscoring its subtle artistic associations.