Evita

Meaning: Its source is Chava, a Hebrew name meaning "Life."

Languages: This girl's name is used in English, Hindi and Spanish.

Nicknames: Avita

Popularity: The name Evita ranked 4063rd in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

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.

Leadership

Eva ''Evita'' Duarte Peron (born 1919, died 1952)
Argentine political leader.
- Former actress and singer who controlled much of the social-service sector of the government while her husband, Juan Peron, was in power (see list of Miscellaneous Political Leaders)

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