Ylva

Ylva is the feminine form of the Scandinavian name Ulf, which originates from the Old Norse term úlfr meaning "wolf." Thus, Ylva is interpreted as "the she-wolf."

What does the name Ylva mean?

Ylva, the feminine variant of the Nordic name Ulf, derives from the Old Norse word úlfr meaning "wolf" and thus means "the she-wolf." This old Swedish name gained fame in the Middle Ages through Ingrid Ylva (Ingrid the She-Wolf; † 1252), a Swedish princess from the Sverker noble house. In Sweden, the name was particularly popular in the mid-20th century and remains well-liked today. Additionally, Ylva is widely used in Norway, and the name has also gained traction in Germany in recent years. In Germany, the diminutive forms Ylvi and Ylvie, meaning "the little she-wolf," are commonly found. Other variants of the name include Ilva, Ilvi, Ilvie, Ilvy, Yilva, Ylfa, Ylve, Ylvy, and Ylwa. In the children's book "Wickie the Viking," Wickie's mother is named Ylva.

Where does the name Ylva come from?

The name Ylva has its roots in Old Norse and Old Swedish and means "the she-wolf." It is composed of the Old Norse word úlfr for "wolf." The languages from which Ylva originates are Nordic, Norwegian, Swedish, and Scandinavian.

How do you pronounce Ylva?

The pronunciation of Ylva is distinctive and two-syllable. The name is typically pronounced as "Yl-va" [ˈʏlva]. It begins with a rounded Ü sound, giving the name a special tonal quality. The voiced v gently connects with the second syllable. Ylva conveys a Nordic, independent impression and radiates a clear line as well as a powerful presence.

When is the name day of Ylva?

The name day for Ylva is celebrated on April 11.

Popularity

In Germany, Ylva is among the sought-after first names. The name currently ranks 318th on the list of the most common female first names. In the last ten years, Ylva has been given as a first name approximately 1,300 times, placing it 420th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, Ylva ranks 475th. Considering global popularity, Ylva shows varying rankings in name charts across different countries.

Nicknames & pet names

Ilvy / Ivy / Lilli / Lilly / Liva / Lylli / Lylly / Vava / Yelva / Yhla / Yl / Yla / Ylla / Ylli / Yllla / Ylvalia / Ylvchen / Ylvi / Ylvie / Ylvo / Ylya / Yva / Ülva / Ülvi / Ülvü / Ýlvina / Ýlvine / Ýlvuschka / Ýlwina / Ýlwine

Similar first names

Ylve

Famous people

• Ylva (wife of Halvar and mother of Wickie (animated series)
• Ylva Anna Maria Lindh (1957 - 2003, Swedish politician)
• Ylva Eggehorn (Swedish author)
• Ylva Lindberg (Swedish ice hockey player)
• Ylva Lööf (actress from Sweden)
• Ylva Nowén (Swedish alpine skier)