Fact: Ravens are among the smartest of all birds, showing problem-solving skills and the ability to plan for the future, similar to humans and great apes.
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Raven Overview
Meaning
Dark haired, wise, blackbird
Gender
Girl, Gender-neutral
Origin
Old English
Etymology
Derived from the Old English word “hræfn,” meaning raven
Pronunciation
/ˈreɪvən/
Popularity
Raven is a favored name in English-speaking countries, often associated with nature and mythology. In 2023, it ranked 361st for girls in the USA
Syllable
2 syllables
Length
5 letters
Numerology
6 (Nurturing, Responsible, Balanced)
Name Styles
Cool, Modern, Nature-inspired, Classic
Associated Traits
Mysterious, elegant, mystical, enigmatic
Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance
The raven is revered in various cultures, including Native American tribes and Norse mythology, often symbolizing wisdom and transformation
Name Day
May 5th (Estonia)
Raven Variations in Different Cultures
Popular Variations
Ravyn, Ravana, Ravenna, Ravin
Common Nicknames
Rae, Ray, Rave, Vee, Vinny
Diminutives
Ravy, Ravie
Famous People
- Raven-Symoné
(American Actress) - Raven Goodwin
(American Actress) - Raven Wilkinson
(American Ballerina) - Raven Klaasen
(South African Tennis Player) - Raven Grimassi
(Italian-American Author)
Pop Culture Icons and Works
- Raven Baxter
("That's So Raven," TV Series) - Raven
("Teen Titans," Animated TV Series) - Raven Darkhölme
("X-Men," Film Series) - Raven Reyes
("The 100," TV Series) - "Raven's Home"
(TV Series) - "The Raven"
(Poem by Edgar Allan Poe)
Places
- Raven Cliff Falls
(Georgia, USA) - Raven Rock State Park
(North Carolina, USA) - Ravenna Park
(Washington, USA) - Raven Ridge Natural Area
(Vermont, USA)
What Is the Meaning of Raven?
Raven means “blackbird,” symbolizing intelligence and mystery. The name often hints at a curious and thoughtful personality.
What Is the Origin of The Name Raven?
The name Raven originates from the Old English word “hræfn,” meaning the blackbird species known for its intelligence. It has been used in English-speaking cultures for centuries, reflecting its linguistic and symbolic roots.
Raven Name Popularity
Popularity Chart of the Name Raven in the U.S. over the Years
 United States | #4092022 | #3612023 | |
| Top 3 Rankings | #1391993 | #1501991 | #1511992 |
Annual Statistics Breakdown for Raven
| Year | Name Ranking | Number of Births | Birth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 361 (+48 from 2022) | 841 (+72 from 2022) | 0.04808 |
| 2022 | 409 (-1 from 2021) | 769 (-8 from 2021) | 0.04289 |
| 2021 | 408 (+9 from 2020) | 777 (+31 from 2020) | 0.04337 |
| 2020 | 417 (+9 from 2019) | 746 (+2 from 2019) | 0.04220 |
| 2019 | 426 (-13 from 2018) | 744 (-5 from 2018) | 0.04055 |
| 2018 | 413 (+30 from 2017) | 749 (+36 from 2017) | 0.04028 |
| 2017 | 443 (+46 from 2016) | 713 (+77 from 2016) | 0.03774 |
| 2016 | 489 (-3 from 2015) | 636 (-22 from 2015) | 0.03285 |
| 2015 | 486 (+18 from 2014) | 658 (+39 from 2014) | 0.03373 |
| 2014 | 504 (+9 from 2013) | 619 (+40 from 2013) | 0.03164 |
| 2013 | 513 (+29 from 2012) | 579 (+26 from 2012) | 0.03004 |
| 2012 | 542 (+49 from 2011) | 553 (+64 from 2011) | 0.02851 |
| 2011 | 591 (+11 from 2010) | 489 (+2 from 2010) | 0.02524 |
| 2010 | 602 (+30 from 2009) | 487 (+11 from 2009) | 0.02484 |
| 2009 | 632 (-20 from 2008) | 476 (-23 from 2008) | 0.02351 |
| 2008 | 612 (-105 from 2007) | 499 (-132 from 2007) | 0.02396 |
| 2007 | 507 (-73 from 2006) | 631 (-104 from 2006) | 0.02981 |
| 2006 | 434 (-86 from 2005) | 735 (-170 from 2005) | 0.03516 |
| 2005 | 348 (-83 from 2004) | 905 (-314 from 2004) | 0.04459 |
| 2004 | 265 (-34 from 2003) | 1219 (-209 from 2003) | 0.06041 |
| 2003 | 231 (+6 from 2002) | 1428 (+90 from 2002) | 0.07117 |
| 2002 | 237 (-3 from 2001) | 1338 (-17 from 2001) | 0.06775 |
| 2001 | 234 (-19 from 2000) | 1355 (-92 from 2000) | 0.06840 |
| 2000 | 215 (-13 from 1999) | 1447 (-80 from 1999) | 0.07250 |
| 1999 | 202 (-17 from 1998) | 1527 (-126 from 1998) | 0.07844 |
| 1998 | 185 (-16 from 1997) | 1653 (-128 from 1997) | 0.08527 |
| 1997 | 169 (+15 from 1996) | 1781 (+159 from 1996) | 0.09328 |
| 1996 | 184 (-14 from 1995) | 1622 (-135 from 1995) | 0.08460 |
| 1995 | 170 (-14 from 1994) | 1757 (-318 from 1994) | 0.09144 |
| 1994 | 156 (-17 from 1993) | 2075 (-210 from 1993) | 0.10644 |
| 1993 | 139 (+12 from 1992) | 2285 (+268 from 1992) | 0.11590 |
| 1992 | 151 (-1 from 1991) | 2017 (-9 from 1991) | 0.10061 |
| 1991 | 150 (+16 from 1990) | 2026 (+267 from 1990) | 0.09963 |
| 1990 | 166 (+328 from 1989) | 1759 (+1283 from 1989) | 0.08562 |
| 1989 | 494 (+117 from 1988) | 476 (+149 from 1988) | 0.02389 |
| 1988 | 611 (-41 from 1987) | 327 (-21 from 1987) | 0.01700 |
| 1987 | 570 (+23 from 1986) | 348 (+23 from 1986) | 0.01857 |
| 1986 | 593 (-88 from 1985) | 325 (-78 from 1985) | 0.01761 |
| 1985 | 505 (-14 from 1984) | 403 (-5 from 1984) | 0.02183 |
| 1984 | 491 (-21 from 1983) | 408 (-17 from 1983) | 0.02262 |
| 1983 | 470 (-16 from 1982) | 425 (-44 from 1982) | 0.02375 |
| 1982 | 454 (+63 from 1981) | 469 (+89 from 1981) | 0.02585 |
| 1981 | 517 (-18 from 1980) | 380 (-28 from 1980) | 0.02125 |
| 1980 | 499 (+43 from 1979) | 408 (+62 from 1979) | 0.02291 |
| 1979 | 542 (-10 from 1978) | 346 (+4 from 1978) | 0.02008 |
| 1978 | 532 (+46 from 1977) | 342 (+43 from 1977) | 0.02080 |
| 1977 | 578 (+576 from 1976) | 299 (+199 from 1976) | 0.01818 |
| 1976 | 1154 (+2620 from 1975) | 100 (+83 from 1975) | 0.00636 |
| 1975 | 3774 (+265 from 1974) | 17 (+2 from 1974) | 0.00109 |
| 1974 | 4039 (+829 from 1973) | 15 (+4 from 1973) | 0.00096 |
| 1973 | 4868 (-2122 from 1972) | 11 (-14 from 1972) | 0.00071 |
| 1972 | 2746 (-10 from 1971) | 25 (-1 from 1971) | 0.00155 |
| 1971 | 2736 (+3081 from 1970) | 26 (+18 from 1970) | 0.00148 |
| 1970 | 5817 (-3049 from 1969) | 8 (-15 from 1969) | 0.00044 |
| 1969 | 2768 (+843 from 1968) | 23 (+9 from 1968) | 0.00130 |
| 1968 | 3611 (-127 from 1967) | 14 No change from 1967 | 0.00082 |
| 1967 | 3484 (-898 from 1966) | 14 (-8 from 1966) | 0.00082 |
| 1966 | 2586 (+816 from 1965) | 22 (+8 from 1965) | 0.00125 |
| 1965 | 3402 (+3365 from 1964) | 14 (+9 from 1964) | 0.00077 |
| 1964 | 6767 (-3309 from 1963) | 5 (-9 from 1963) | 0.00026 |
| 1963 | 3458 (+136 from 1962) | 14 (+1 from 1962) | 0.00070 |
| 1962 | 3594 (+1286 from 1961) | 13 (+5 from 1961) | 0.00064 |
| 1961 | 4880 (-960 from 1960) | 8 (-3 from 1960) | 0.00039 |
| 1960 | 3920 (+705 from 1959) | 11 (+3 from 1959) | 0.00053 |
| 1959 | 4625 (-1246 from 1958) | 8 (-5 from 1958) | 0.00038 |
| 1958 | 3379 (+1156 from 1957) | 13 (+5 from 1957) | 0.00063 |
| 1957 | 4535 (+790 from 1956) | 8 (+2 from 1956) | 0.00038 |
| 1956 | 5325 (+503 from 1955) | 6 (+1 from 1955) | 0.00029 |
| 1955 | 5828 (-76 from 1954) | 5 No change from 1954 | 0.00025 |
| 1954 | 5752 (-2483 from 1953) | 5 (-7 from 1953) | 0.00025 |
| 1953 | 3269 (+2294 from 1952) | 12 (+7 from 1952) | 0.00062 |
| 1952 | 5563 (-149 from 1951) | 5 No change from 1951 | 0.00026 |
| 1951 | 5414 (-1179 from 1949) | 5 (-2 from 1949) | 0.00027 |
| 1950 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1949 | 4235 (-642 from 1948) | 7 (-2 from 1948) | 0.00040 |
| 1948 | 3593 (-695 from 1947) | 9 (-4 from 1947) | 0.00052 |
| 1947 | 2898 (+1128 from 1945) | 13 (+7 from 1945) | 0.00072 |
| 1946 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1945 | 4026 (+665 from 1943) | 6 (+1 from 1943) | 0.00045 |
| 1944 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1943 | 4691 (-70 from 1942) | 5 No change from 1942 | 0.00035 |
| 1942 | 4621 (-667 from 1941) | 5 (-1 from 1941) | 0.00036 |
| 1941 | 3954 First SSA data recorded | 6 First SSA data recorded | 0.00048 |
| 1940 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1939 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1938 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1937 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1936 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1935 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1934 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1933 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1932 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1931 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1930 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1929 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1928 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1927 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1926 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1925 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1924 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1923 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1922 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1921 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1920 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1919 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1918 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1917 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1916 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1915 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1914 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1913 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1912 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1911 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1910 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1909 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1908 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1907 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1906 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1905 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1904 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1903 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1902 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1901 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1900 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1899 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1898 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1897 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1896 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1895 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1894 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1893 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1892 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1891 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1890 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1889 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1888 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1887 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1886 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1885 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1884 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1883 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1882 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1881 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1880 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
American States Popularity Rankings for Raven
(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )Texas (TX)
 Texas (TX) | #4962021 | #5332022 | #5012023 |
California (CA)
 California (CA) | #5852021 | #5402022 | #5442023 |
Illinois (IL)
 Illinois (IL) | #5492021 | #4312022 | #4122023 |
Georgia (GA)
 Georgia (GA) | #5642021 | #6702022 | #4452023 |
Florida (FL)
 Florida (FL) | #3672021 | #3722022 | #3822023 |
New York (NY)
 New York (NY) | #5912021 | #5512022 | #4182023 |
Louisiana (LA)
 Louisiana (LA) | #7182021 | #7092022 | #3362023 |
Ohio (OH)
 Ohio (OH) | #3042021 | #3442022 | #2062023 |
North Carolina (NC)
 North Carolina (NC) | #2812021 | #3512022 | #3512023 |
Michigan (MI)
 Michigan (MI) | #2432021 | #3342022 | #1992023 |
Alabama (AL)
 Alabama (AL) | #3342021 | #3992022 | #3992023 |
Tennessee (TN)
 Tennessee (TN) | #2992021 | #4672022 | #2802023 |
Virginia (VA)
 Virginia (VA) | #5022021 | #4052022 | #2612023 |
Mississippi (MS)
 Mississippi (MS) | #4602020 | #5242021 | #5312022 |
Pennsylvania (PA)
 Pennsylvania (PA) | #4892021 | #4402022 | #5422023 |
South Carolina (SC)
 South Carolina (SC) | #3122021 | #4602022 | #3852023 |
Indiana (IN)
 Indiana (IN) | #3142021 | #3462022 | #2552023 |
Missouri (MO)
 Missouri (MO) | #2562021 | #2532022 | #2442023 |
Maryland (MD)
 Maryland (MD) | #6862021 | #5462022 | #4272023 |
Kentucky (KY)
 Kentucky (KY) | #1962021 | #1942022 | #3162023 |
Oklahoma (OK)
 Oklahoma (OK) | #4182021 | #1902022 | #2272023 |
Arkansas (AR)
 Arkansas (AR) | #4242021 | #4142022 | #2912023 |
New Jersey (NJ)
 New Jersey (NJ) | #6242021 | #9322022 | #9372023 |
Wisconsin (WI)
 Wisconsin (WI) | #4302021 | #9262022 | #3212023 |
Washington (WA)
 Washington (WA) | #3452021 | #3332022 | #3372023 |
Arizona (AZ)
 Arizona (AZ) | #4022021 | #3702022 | #3692023 |
Colorado (CO)
 Colorado (CO) | #4172021 | #2562022 | #3632023 |
Kansas (KS)
 Kansas (KS) | #6612020 | #3372022 | #4252023 |
Minnesota (MN)
 Minnesota (MN) | #3902021 | #5982022 | #3072023 |
Oregon (OR)
 Oregon (OR) | #2492021 | #2422022 | #2372023 |
West Virginia (WV)
 West Virginia (WV) | #2342021 | #3102022 | #1782023 |
Iowa (IA)
 Iowa (IA) | #2502021 | #3462022 | #4182023 |
Massachusetts (MA)
 Massachusetts (MA) | #5562021 | #7472022 | #7142023 |
Nevada (NV)
 Nevada (NV) | #3902018 | #6062019 | #5832022 |
District of Columbia (DC)
 District of Columbia (DC) | #2622007 | #2582009 | #2942014 |
Connecticut (CT)
 Connecticut (CT) | #5852017 | #6222021 | #3602023 |
New Mexico (NM)
 New Mexico (NM) | #2352019 | #1912021 | #2472022 |
Utah (UT)
 Utah (UT) | #4522021 | #2392022 | #3702023 |
Nebraska (NE)
 Nebraska (NE) | #5142017 | #4832020 | #4912021 |
Maine (ME)
 Maine (ME) | #1122020 | #2022022 | #1982023 |
Hawaii (HI)
 Hawaii (HI) | #2811999 | #2372000 | #2582002 |
Idaho (ID)
 Idaho (ID) | #4462016 | #3992018 | #2702022 |
Delaware (DE)
 Delaware (DE) | #1962000 | #1642001 | #2242005 |
South Dakota (SD)
 South Dakota (SD) | #2582016 | #2382020 | #1962022 |
Alaska (AK)
 Alaska (AK) | #1841996 | #1651998 | #1602023 |
New Hampshire (NH)
 New Hampshire (NH) | #2401996 | #1912004 | #1832022 |
Wyoming (WY)
 Wyoming (WY) | #1281991 | #732023 |
Rhode Island (RI)
 Rhode Island (RI) | #2011994 |
Popularity Rankings for Raven in other Countries and American Territories
(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)
Popularity in New Zealand
 New Zealand | #2882021 | #3162022 | #2692023 |
Popularity in Canada
 Canada | #4742021 | #3472022 | #5322023 |
Popularity in Scotland
 Scotland | #3802022 | #3652023 |
Popularity in Northern Ireland
 Northern Ireland | #4392014 | #4182022 |
Popularity in England and Wales
 England and Wales | #4652019 | #5132020 | #4192021 |
Popularity in Quebec, Canada
 Quebec, Canada | #5242018 | #8602019 | #6002021 |
Popularity in Ireland
 Ireland | #8712019 | #8342020 | #6612021 |
Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources
Is Raven a Name for Boys or Girls?
Raven works well for any gender. Its cool and edgy vibe is perfect for parents looking for a unique and modern name.
Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Raven
- Ravyn
- Ravana
- Ravenna
- Ravin
- Ravy
- Ravie
Raven in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places
- Raven-Symoné (Actress, born 1985): An American actress and singer famous for her role in the TV series "That's So Raven" and "The Cosby Show."
- Raven Goodwin (Actress, born 1992): An American actress known for her roles in "Lovely & Amazing" and "Being Mary Jane."
- Raven Wilkinson (Ballerina, 1935–2018): An American ballerina and trailblazer who was the first African American woman to dance with a major classical ballet company.
- Raven Klaasen (Tennis Player, born 1982): A South African professional tennis player who has competed in numerous Grand Slam tournaments.
- Raven Grimassi (Author, 1951–2019): An Italian-American author and scholar of neo-paganism and witchcraft.
- Raven Barber (Basketball Player, born 1991): An American professional basketball player who has played in various international leagues.
- Raven Saunders (Athlete, born 1996): An American shot putter who has competed in the Olympics and won multiple medals.
- Raven Baxter ("That's So Raven," 2003 TV Series): A teenager with psychic abilities trying to navigate high school and family life.
- Raven ("Teen Titans," 2003 Animated TV Series): A half-demon superheroine who uses her dark powers to fight evil.
- Raven Darkhölme ("X-Men," 2000 Film Series): Also known as Mystique, a shape-shifting mutant with a complex moral compass.
- Raven Reyes ("The 100," 2014 TV Series): A brilliant mechanic and strategist who plays a crucial role in the survival of her people.
- "Raven's Home" (2017 TV Series): Follows the lives of Raven Baxter and her best friend Chelsea as they raise their children together.
- "The Raven" (1845 Poem by Edgar Allan Poe): A narrative poem about a man mourning the loss of his lover, visited by a mysterious raven.
- Raven Queen ("Ever After High," 2013 TV Series): The daughter of the Evil Queen who wants to forge her own destiny.
- Raven Cliff Falls (Georgia, USA): A scenic waterfall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, accessible via a popular hiking trail.
- Raven Rock State Park (North Carolina, USA): A state park featuring a massive rock outcrop overlooking the Cape Fear River.
- Ravenna Park (Washington, USA): An urban park in Seattle featuring wooded areas, trails, and a creek.
- Raven Pass (British Columbia, Canada): A mountain pass located in the Coast Mountains, popular for hiking and skiing.
- Raven Ridge Natural Area (Vermont, USA): A protected area featuring diverse wildlife habitats and panoramic views.
Similar Names to Raven
Sibling Names for Raven
Parents Who Like the Name Raven Also Like
Exploring Raven has been a joy! If you’re still on the hunt, names like Sage or Ember could also be great fits. Wishing you all the best in your naming journey—take care and happy naming!
Helen Doanna
Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator
Expertise
Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher
Education
1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US
Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.