Meaning:
Its source is Chava, a Hebrew name meaning "Life."
Popularity:
The name Ava ranked 111th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 742nd in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.
Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.
Narrative:
Chava could also be interpreted to mean ''living being.'' (A correspondent points out its linguistic connection to the joyful Jewish blessing le Chaim -- ''To life!'')
However, some scholars cite an alternate source -- another Hebrew expression meaning ''serpent.''
That second meaning reminds us of the Book of Genesis in the Jewish scriptures. Chava (translated as Eve, Eva or Ava) is the first woman, mother to all humanity. Tempted by the advice of an evil serpent, she disobeys God by eating of the Tree of Knowledge. She convinces her husband Adam to follow suit, and God banishes them from the Garden of Eden.
Due to that ancient story, this name can evoke a complex of images -- ranging from revered mother to temptress to seeker of knowledge.
