The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Ivy!

Comments and insights on the name Ivy: | Edit

I chose a variation of Ivy. My daughter's first name is IvyAnne. It sounded more classical to me than the more contemporary Ivy. I wanted something unique, but not off the wall so she would never have to worry about being confused for another Ivy in her class. I grew up with what seemed like mutlitudes of Jennifer's and Christinas and wanted my child to be distinguishable on paper and in person. She is almost 12 years old now and we have never met another Ivy younger than 70!

Especially popular among Asian-American families.

The "poison ivy" associations put a lot of people off.

I chose Ivy for my daughter because of its old-fashioned sound, easy spelling, and similarity to Ava and Olivia. Whenever I introduce her, I get nothing but smiles.

We chose the name Ivy because, like the commenter above, we liked the old-fashioned appeal and easy spelling, and we love the "v" sound. We wanted something unusual but not creative or "weird." She's 2, and so far almost everyone likes it. (My mom worried about the 'poison ivy' possibility, but I figure every name could get you teased somehow.)

I know a girl whose full name is Ivyanna but she goes by Ivy.

Personal experiences with the name Ivy: | Edit

My name is Iris so the perfect name for my daughter was...Ivy.

A friend of mine, Ivy. She has very long hair like Rapunzel. We used to call her Vivi.

I always thought, if I had twin girls born at Christmas, I would call them Holly and Ivy!

Nicknames for Ivy: | Edit

Ives, Vivi, Vena, V

Meanings and history of the name Ivy: | Edit

The name Ivy comes from the English ivy plant, symbol of eternity and immortality, with strong connotations of femininity and fidelity. The way that ivy clings and binds also makes it a powerful symbol of faithful friendship.

The Druids prized the ivy plant as a symbol for tenacity and determination: ivy can grow, spread and flourish under many conditions - cultivated land or wasteland, in light or near darkness, fertile soil or upon rubble and stones. It will push its way through tiny cracks and crevices to reach the light and is strong and difficult to destroy.

The Ivy league is the premier groups of colleges and universities in the United States, so the name has an academic tint.

Famous real-life people named Ivy: | Edit

Ivy Compton-Burnett, English novelist

Ivy in song, story & screen: | Edit

I named my daughter Ivy after hearing the word in the Chris Cornell song "Sunshower".
"Ivy and Bean" is a popular series of books for young readers.
Ivy is a blind girl in the movie "The Village."
"For the Love of Ivy", songs by The Mamas and The Papas, as well as the White Stripes. There is also a film by this name starring Sidney Poitier and Abbey Lincoln.
"Poison Ivy," 1992 film starring Drew Barrymore
Ivy Sullivan, character in 90210
Ivy in character in Gossip Girl