Iva: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are historically significant cultural celebrations, particularly prevalent in Catholic and Orthodox countries, honoring saints or traditional names. The name Iva, rooted in Slavic traditions and potentially meaning âGod is graciousâ or derived from the word for willow tree, is a name of simple elegance. It presents a mood that is classic, soft, and naturally resonant. For those who follow name day traditions, Iva is celebrated in Czechia annually on December 1. This overview explores the history, structure, and tradition surrounding this distinguished feminine name.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Iva's name day is celebrated
on December 1 in Czechia.
The Story Behind This Name
Iva is a classic feminine name highly popular across Slavic countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe like Bulgaria, Czechia, and Croatia. In the USA, Iva has historically maintained a modest presence, seeing its highest usage around the turn of the 20th century, often peaking during immigration waves. While not a top contemporary choice in the US, it remains recognized and appreciated for its simple elegance. Its usage often reflects a long history in the regions where it is prevalent, evolving as a diminutive or short form over centuries. This short, vowel-heavy name is often seen as a traditional staple in several European naming cultures.
Name origin and meaning
The name Iva is primarily recognized as a traditional Slavic feminine name. In this context, it often serves as a short form of names like Ivana, which is the feminine variant of Ivan (John). Consequently, it carries the implied meaning associated with John, typically translated as âGod is gracious.â Separately, Iva is also the common Slavic word referring to the willow tree, suggesting a secondary, nature-based interpretation. Therefore, depending on the linguistic context, Iva can symbolize both grace and natural flexibility.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Worldwide, Iva is overwhelmingly classified as a feminine given name. It is firmly established as a traditional female designation across Slavic nations, including Bulgaria, Serbia, and Croatia. While the use is highly specific, in some rare instances in parts of the Balkans, Iva can be encountered as a short form for masculine names such as Ivo or Ivaylo. Generally speaking, if one hears the name Iva, the bearer is expected to be female. Thus, Iva maintains a clear identity as a female name in global nomenclature.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Iva projects a mood that is simultaneously graceful and unpretentious. Its short, vowel-heavy structure gives it a sophisticated yet approachable tone. It feels classic and grounded, evoking images associated with natural elements, especially given its connection to the willow tree in Slavic languages. Iva carries a sense of quiet strength and timeless elegance, suggesting a personality that is both gentle and resilient. Overall, the name vibe is soft, refined, and distinctly European.
Mirror Magic: Iva & Avi
Some names hold a hidden surpriseâwhen reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.
See also:
Avi: Name Day, Name Meaning & More Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Iva
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 5 â The Freedom Seeker.
Keywords: Adventure, change, curiosity, independence, versatility.
Positive Traits: Adaptable, energetic, adventurous, progressive, dynamic.
Challenges: Can be reckless, restless, or avoid responsibility.
Life Path Meaning: A path of embracing change, exploration, and personal freedom.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 8 - The Achiever.
Traits: Ambitious, goal-oriented, authoritative, financially focused.
Strengths: Strong leadership, good at managing money, disciplined.
Challenges: Can be materialistic, dominant, or overly focused on success.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Mercury - Communication, Intelligence, Adaptability.
Mercury is the planet of intellect, speech, and agility. Names under Mercuryâs influence often belong to individuals who are quick-witted, analytical, and articulate. They thrive in social interactions, learning environments, and dynamic situations where adaptability is key. These names tend to reflect intelligence, curiosity, and the ability to process information quickly.
Name days: Name Iva
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
Name days: Similar names (Iva)
Here youâll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Bulgaria | January | 7 | Encho, Enio, Ioan, Ioana, Ivan, Ivanka, Ivayla, Ivaylo, Ivelin, Ivelina, Ivet, Ivo, Kaloian, Kaloyan, Vania, Vanio, Yoan, Yoncho, Yonka, Yonko, Yoto, Zhan, Zhana |
 Greece | January | 7 | Gianna, Giannis, Ioannis, Ivana, Jeannette, John, Prodromos |
 Latvia | January | 8 | Erhads, Gatis, Gundabis, Ivanda |
 Croatia | January | 12 | Arkadije, Ernest, Živana |
 Norway | January | 22 | Ivan, Vanja |
| Latvia | January | 29 | Aivars, Valerijs |
 Lithuania | January | 29 | Aivaras, Girkantas, Valerijus, Zibute |
| Croatia | January | 31 | Ivan, Julije, Marcela |
| Norway | January | 31 | Idun, Ivar |
 Sweden | January | 31 | Ivar, Joar |
| Latvia | February | 27 | Andra, Daiva, Liva, Livija |
| Latvia | March | 1 | Ikars, Ilgvars, Ilvars, Ivars |
| Croatia | March | 8 | Ivan, PaÄista |
| Latvia | March | 12 | Aija, Aiva, Aivis, Ausmins, Gregors |
| Croatia | March | 27 | Ivan DamaĹĄÄ., Lada, Lidija, Rupert |
 Czechia | April | 4 | Ivana |
| Croatia | April | 7 | Epifan, Herman, Ivan de la Salle |
| Lithuania | April | 14 | Justinas, Vaisvyde, Vaiva, Valerijonas, Visvaldas |
 Hungary | April | 20 | Tivadar |
| Croatia | May | 10 | Gospa Trsat, Ivan Merz |
 Estonia | May | 11 | Leevo, Liivar, Liivo |
| Latvia | May | 14 | Aiva, Duda, Elfa, Krisjanis, Kriss |
| Croatia | May | 16 | Andrija Bobola, Ivan Nepomuk, Nenad |
| Croatia | May | 18 | Ivan I. papa, Srecko, Venancije |
 USA | May | 19 | Dumont, Duncan, Dunstan, Indigo, Ivar, Ives, Wright, Yves |
| Sweden | May | 24 | Ivan, Vanja |
 Finland | May | 29 | Livia, Oiva, Oliver, Olivia |
| Croatia | May | 30 | Ivana ArĹĄka |
| Estonia | June | 2 | Veevi, Viiva, Viive, Viivi, Viivia, Viivika, Vivian |
 Spain | June | 3 | Cecilio, Clotilde, Davino, Kevin, Luciniano, Oliva |
| Croatia | June | 10 | Bl. Ivan Dominici, Dijana, Margareta |
| Croatia | June | 12 | Bosiljko, Ivan Fakundo, Nino |
| Latvia | June | 14 | Kitija, Klitija, Saiva, Sentis, Tija |
| Finland | June | 16 | Päivi, Päivikki, Päivä |
| Lithuania | June | 18 | Arnulfas, Ginbutas, Marina, Vaiva |
| Croatia | June | 22 | Ivan Fisher, Toma More |
| Croatia | June | 24 | Rodenje Ivana Krstitelja |
| Hungary | June | 24 | IvĂĄn |
| Spain | June | 24 | Ivana, IvĂĄn, Jean, Joan, Jon, Juan, Juana |
 Ukraine | June | 24 | Bohuslav, Bohuslava, Boris, Boryslav, Boryslava, Ivan, Jean, Joan, Johanna, John, Slavka, Slavko, Yvonna |
| USA | June | 24 | Giovanna, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Jana, Jean, Jeanette, Jeannette, Johan, John, Johnnie, Johnny, Juan, Juana, Juanita, Sean, Shana, Shane, Shanna, Yancy |
| Czechia | June | 25 | Ivan |
| Croatia | June | 26 | Ivan, Pavao, Vigilije, Zoran |
| Estonia | June | 26 | Manivald, Vaane, Vaano, Vaino, Vane, Vanevald |
| Latvia | June | 30 | Mareks, Talis, Talivaldis |
| USA | July | 6 | Godiva, Isaiah, Isaias, Isiah, Jamaal, Jamal, Jamel, Jamil, Pallas, Shea, Shyanne |
| Norway | July | 8 | Sunniva, Synne, Synnøve |
 Slovakia | July | 8 | Ivan |
| Spain | July | 22 | Magdalena, Primitiva, TeĂłfila, Zaida, Zoraida |
| Croatia | July | 23 | Brigita Ĺ vedska, Ivan Cassian, Slobodan |
| Croatia | August | 4 | Ivan M. Vianney, Ivica, Tertulijan |
| Lithuania | August | 6 | Bylotas, Daiva, Karolina |
| Croatia | August | 13 | Hipolit, Ivan Berchmans, Poncijan |
| Croatia | August | 19 | Ivan Eudes |
| Estonia | August | 22 | Iivo, Ivalo, Ivar, Ivari, Ivo |
| Finland | August | 22 | Iivari, Iivo |
| USA | August | 26 | Percival, Percy, Travis, Trevis, Trevon, Trevor |
| Croatia | August | 29 | Glavosijek Ivana Krstitelja, Sabina R. |
| Croatia | September | 13 | Ivan Zlatousti, Ljubo |
| Croatia | September | 18 | Irena, Ivan Macias, J. Kupert. |
| Latvia | September | 23 | Ivanda, Omula, Vanda, Veneranda |
| Croatia | October | 9 | Dionizije, Ivan Leon, Ljudevit Bertran |
| Croatia | October | 23 | Borislav, Ivan Kapistran, Severin |
| Latvia | October | 26 | Amanda, Kaiva |
| Croatia | November | 9 | Ivan Lateranski |
| Hungary | November | 9 | Tivadar |
| USA | November | 9 | Orestes, Sullivan, Vaughan, Vaughn |
| Croatia | November | 14 | Ivan Trogirski, Nikola Tavelic |
| Croatia | December | 4 | Barbara, Ivan DamaĹĄcanski |
| Croatia | December | 11 | Ivana Franciska Ch. |
| Estonia | December | 12 | Aivar, Aiver, Aivo |
| Croatia | December | 13 | Ivan, KrĹĄevan |
| Croatia | December | 22 | Ivan Kentijski, Viktorija |
| Croatia | December | 26 | Ivan ev., Ivo, Janko |
| Slovakia | December | 28 | Ivana |
Iva A Name of Grace and Tradition
In conclusion, Iva stands as a deeply traditional feminine name, highly popular across Eastern Europe but less common in the United States today. Its etymological roots tie it both to religious meaning (âGod is graciousâ) and to nature (the willow tree). The name conveys a mood of understated refinement and clarity, fitting its firm designation as female worldwide. Cultural importance is maintained through traditions like the name day celebration, which for Iva occurs on December 1 in Czechia. Iva is a short name rich in history and gentle charm.
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