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Neva

Girl name · 29 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Neva: 29 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 2013.

A name with a gentle, melodic quality, Neva is primarily considered a Spanish short form of Geneva or a variant of the name Neve, itself derived from the Latin *nix, nivis* meaning “snow.” However, it also has roots as a place name, famously linked to the Neva River in Russia, where the city of Saint Petersburg was built. In the United States, the name gained some visibility through Neva Patterson, a respected character actress of stage and screen, and was borne by Neva Bostic, a pioneering African-American blues musician. Beyond its European connections, the name shares an etymology with the Italian word for snow, *neve*, making it a poetic choice for a winter-born child. Its rarity in Scotland today adds to its quietly distinctive charm.

Girl 8 of 52 years

Peak year
20134 babies
Latest (2023)
#7493 babies
Total births
29since 2005
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2013 · 4
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).