Arvella
A girl's name of German origin with 1,413 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
adessive singular of arpi
Arvella is a girl's baby name of German origin, possibly a variant of Arvilla or a feminine form of Arvel, derived from the Germanic elements related to ara meaning 'eagle' and wela meaning 'prosperity.'
Arvella was most common in the American South and Midwest from the late 19th century through the 1930s. It has the graceful, slightly ornate character of early 20th-century feminine names — distinctive without being ostentatious, carrying a quiet vintage elegance.
EtymologyShow more
Arvella is built from 7 letters and three syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the German naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Arvella creates its characteristic melodic, romantic quality. Multi-syllable names often carry remnants of compound constructions — two or more meaningful elements fused together — even when the original components are no longer transparent to modern speakers.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Arvella has 81+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1887.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #15569 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 12 | #14283 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 34 | #8286 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 106 | #4422 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 123 | #3363 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 191 | #2134 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 280 | #1439 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 351 | #1341 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 216 | #1439 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 80 | #1399 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 10 | #1539 | ▲ |
| 1880s | 5 | #1161 | — |
The Story of Arvella
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1926, Arvella is a name steeped in history. Girls named Arvella are most likely born between 1916 and 1936.
How rare is Arvella?
With 1,413 total births on record, Arvella remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1887, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 351 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Arvella by the numbers
- Would fill 29 school buses
- Meeting one Arvella per day would take 3.9 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(81 years, 1887–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | #15569 |
| 2019 | 6 | #14018 |
| 2016 | 6 | #14548 |
| 1979 | 5 | #10320 |
| 1976 | 6 | #8229 |
| 1973 | 5 | #8513 |
| 1972 | 5 | #8382 |
| 1971 | 5 | #8420 |
| 1970 | 8 | #5854 |
| 1969 | 6 | #6676 |
| 1968 | 14 | #3619 |
| 1967 | 8 | #5014 |
| 1966 | 11 | #3977 |
| 1965 | 7 | #5316 |
| 1964 | 8 | #5025 |
| 1963 | 16 | #3180 |
| 1962 | 11 | #4021 |
| 1961 | 11 | #4027 |
| 1960 | 14 | #3361 |
| 1959 | 12 | #3628 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arvella a boy's or girl's name?
When was Arvella most popular?
How popular is the name Arvella?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1887–2022