Raven Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Raven Name Meaning

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.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

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)​
A Deep Dive

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 flagUnited States#4082021#4092022#3612023
Top 3 Rankings#1391993#1501991#1511992

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Raven

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023361
(+48 from 2022)
841
(+72 from 2022)
0.04808
2022409
(-1 from 2021)
769
(-8 from 2021)
0.04289
2021408
(+9 from 2020)
777
(+31 from 2020)
0.04337
2020417
(+9 from 2019)
746
(+2 from 2019)
0.04220
2019426
(-13 from 2018)
744
(-5 from 2018)
0.04055
2018413
(+30 from 2017)
749
(+36 from 2017)
0.04028
2017443
(+46 from 2016)
713
(+77 from 2016)
0.03774
2016489
(-3 from 2015)
636
(-22 from 2015)
0.03285
2015486
(+18 from 2014)
658
(+39 from 2014)
0.03373
2014504
(+9 from 2013)
619
(+40 from 2013)
0.03164
2013513
(+29 from 2012)
579
(+26 from 2012)
0.03004
2012542
(+49 from 2011)
553
(+64 from 2011)
0.02851
2011591
(+11 from 2010)
489
(+2 from 2010)
0.02524
2010602
(+30 from 2009)
487
(+11 from 2009)
0.02484
2009632
(-20 from 2008)
476
(-23 from 2008)
0.02351
2008612
(-105 from 2007)
499
(-132 from 2007)
0.02396
2007507
(-73 from 2006)
631
(-104 from 2006)
0.02981
2006434
(-86 from 2005)
735
(-170 from 2005)
0.03516
2005348
(-83 from 2004)
905
(-314 from 2004)
0.04459
2004265
(-34 from 2003)
1219
(-209 from 2003)
0.06041
2003231
(+6 from 2002)
1428
(+90 from 2002)
0.07117
2002237
(-3 from 2001)
1338
(-17 from 2001)
0.06775
2001234
(-19 from 2000)
1355
(-92 from 2000)
0.06840
2000215
(-13 from 1999)
1447
(-80 from 1999)
0.07250
1999202
(-17 from 1998)
1527
(-126 from 1998)
0.07844
1998185
(-16 from 1997)
1653
(-128 from 1997)
0.08527
1997169
(+15 from 1996)
1781
(+159 from 1996)
0.09328
1996184
(-14 from 1995)
1622
(-135 from 1995)
0.08460
1995170
(-14 from 1994)
1757
(-318 from 1994)
0.09144
1994156
(-17 from 1993)
2075
(-210 from 1993)
0.10644
1993139
(+12 from 1992)
2285
(+268 from 1992)
0.11590
1992151
(-1 from 1991)
2017
(-9 from 1991)
0.10061
1991150
(+16 from 1990)
2026
(+267 from 1990)
0.09963
1990166
(+328 from 1989)
1759
(+1283 from 1989)
0.08562
1989494
(+117 from 1988)
476
(+149 from 1988)
0.02389
1988611
(-41 from 1987)
327
(-21 from 1987)
0.01700
1987570
(+23 from 1986)
348
(+23 from 1986)
0.01857
1986593
(-88 from 1985)
325
(-78 from 1985)
0.01761
1985505
(-14 from 1984)
403
(-5 from 1984)
0.02183
1984491
(-21 from 1983)
408
(-17 from 1983)
0.02262
1983470
(-16 from 1982)
425
(-44 from 1982)
0.02375
1982454
(+63 from 1981)
469
(+89 from 1981)
0.02585
1981517
(-18 from 1980)
380
(-28 from 1980)
0.02125
1980499
(+43 from 1979)
408
(+62 from 1979)
0.02291
1979542
(-10 from 1978)
346
(+4 from 1978)
0.02008
1978532
(+46 from 1977)
342
(+43 from 1977)
0.02080
1977578
(+576 from 1976)
299
(+199 from 1976)
0.01818
19761154
(+2620 from 1975)
100
(+83 from 1975)
0.00636
19753774
(+265 from 1974)
17
(+2 from 1974)
0.00109
19744039
(+829 from 1973)
15
(+4 from 1973)
0.00096
19734868
(-2122 from 1972)
11
(-14 from 1972)
0.00071
19722746
(-10 from 1971)
25
(-1 from 1971)
0.00155
19712736
(+3081 from 1970)
26
(+18 from 1970)
0.00148
19705817
(-3049 from 1969)
8
(-15 from 1969)
0.00044
19692768
(+843 from 1968)
23
(+9 from 1968)
0.00130
19683611
(-127 from 1967)
14
No change from 1967
0.00082
19673484
(-898 from 1966)
14
(-8 from 1966)
0.00082
19662586
(+816 from 1965)
22
(+8 from 1965)
0.00125
19653402
(+3365 from 1964)
14
(+9 from 1964)
0.00077
19646767
(-3309 from 1963)
5
(-9 from 1963)
0.00026
19633458
(+136 from 1962)
14
(+1 from 1962)
0.00070
19623594
(+1286 from 1961)
13
(+5 from 1961)
0.00064
19614880
(-960 from 1960)
8
(-3 from 1960)
0.00039
19603920
(+705 from 1959)
11
(+3 from 1959)
0.00053
19594625
(-1246 from 1958)
8
(-5 from 1958)
0.00038
19583379
(+1156 from 1957)
13
(+5 from 1957)
0.00063
19574535
(+790 from 1956)
8
(+2 from 1956)
0.00038
19565325
(+503 from 1955)
6
(+1 from 1955)
0.00029
19555828
(-76 from 1954)
5
No change from 1954
0.00025
19545752
(-2483 from 1953)
5
(-7 from 1953)
0.00025
19533269
(+2294 from 1952)
12
(+7 from 1952)
0.00062
19525563
(-149 from 1951)
5
No change from 1951
0.00026
19515414
(-1179 from 1949)
5
(-2 from 1949)
0.00027
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19494235
(-642 from 1948)
7
(-2 from 1948)
0.00040
19483593
(-695 from 1947)
9
(-4 from 1947)
0.00052
19472898
(+1128 from 1945)
13
(+7 from 1945)
0.00072
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19454026
(+665 from 1943)
6
(+1 from 1943)
0.00045
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19434691
(-70 from 1942)
5
No change from 1942
0.00035
19424621
(-667 from 1941)
5
(-1 from 1941)
0.00036
19413954
First SSA data recorded
6
First SSA data recorded
0.00048
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
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) flagTexas (TX)#4962021#5332022#5012023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#5852021#5402022#5442023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#5492021#4312022#4122023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#5642021#6702022#4452023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3672021#3722022#3822023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#5912021#5512022#4182023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#7182021#7092022#3362023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#3042021#3442022#2062023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#2812021#3512022#3512023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2432021#3342022#1992023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#3342021#3992022#3992023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#2992021#4672022#2802023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#5022021#4052022#2612023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4602020#5242021#5312022

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#4892021#4402022#5422023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#3122021#4602022#3852023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#3142021#3462022#2552023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2562021#2532022#2442023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#6862021#5462022#4272023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1962021#1942022#3162023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#4182021#1902022#2272023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#4242021#4142022#2912023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#6242021#9322022#9372023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#4302021#9262022#3212023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#3452021#3332022#3372023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#4022021#3702022#3692023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#4172021#2562022#3632023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#6612020#3372022#4252023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3902021#5982022#3072023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2492021#2422022#2372023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2342021#3102022#1782023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#2502021#3462022#4182023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#5562021#7472022#7142023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#3902018#6062019#5832022

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2622007#2582009#2942014

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#5852017#6222021#3602023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#2352019#1912021#2472022

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#4522021#2392022#3702023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#5142017#4832020#4912021

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1122020#2022022#1982023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2811999#2372000#2582002

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#4462016#3992018#2702022

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1962000#1642001#2242005

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2582016#2382020#1962022

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1841996#1651998#1602023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2401996#1912004#1832022

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1281991#732023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode 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 flagNew Zealand#2882021#3162022#2692023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#4742021#3472022#5322023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#3802022#3652023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#4392014#4182022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#4652019#5132020#4192021

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#5242018#8602019#6002021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#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

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

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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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.

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