Raven Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Raven
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name RAVEN. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Raven
Gender
Male
Origin
Christian
Lucky Number
6
Meaning of the Name
In Christian contexts, Raven is a name that may evoke the biblical story where ravens are sent by God to feed the prophet Elijah, symbolizing divine provision and care.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Venus
Positive Nature
Harmonious, responsible, caring, and artistic.
Negative Traits
Overly idealistic, superficial, possessive, or jealous.
Lucky Colours
Pink, turquoise.
Lucky Days
Friday.
Lucky Stones
Diamond, turquoise.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Artists, musicians, teachers, healthcare workers.
What People Like About You
Warmth, nurturing nature, artistic flair.
Famous People Named Raven
Raven-Symoné
Actress, Singer
Starred in 'That's So Raven' and 'The Cosby Show', successful music career
Raven Wilkinson
Ballet Dancer
First African American woman to dance with a major ballet company
Raven Klaasen
Tennis Player
Professional doubles tennis player, multiple ATP tour titles
Raven Saunders
Track and Field Athlete
Olympic shot put silver medalist, NCAA champion
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Beyond Christianity, Raven holds even deeper mythological importance. In Norse tradition, Odin's two ravens Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory) flew daily across the world, gathering information and wisdom. This established the raven as a symbol of intelligence and cosmic knowledge. Among Pacific Northwest Native American tribes, Raven is a central creator figure and trickster who stole sunlight for humanity and shaped the world. Celtic mythology associates ravens with prophecy and warfare, while in Greek mythology, the raven was originally white but was turned black as punishment for delivering bad news. These diverse cultural narratives create a name layered with meaning, connecting the bearer to themes of creation, intelligence, transformation, and the mysterious balance between light and dark.
Extended Personality Analysis
People named Raven often exhibit a fascinating blend of intellectual depth and intuitive wisdom. They tend to be highly observant individuals who notice details others miss, possessing an almost uncanny ability to read situations and understand underlying dynamics. This perceptiveness makes them excellent judges of character and natural problem-solvers. Ravens typically value their independence and intellectual freedom, often pursuing unconventional paths in life. They're not afraid to question established norms and may challenge authority when they perceive injustice or illogic. Their thinking tends to be both analytical and creative, allowing them to approach challenges from unique angles.
Despite their sometimes reserved exterior, those named Raven often have rich inner lives and strong emotional depth. They form deep, loyal connections with those who earn their trust, though they may be selective about who they let into their inner circle. Many Ravens possess artistic talents or are drawn to creative expression as an outlet for their complex thoughts and feelings. They often have a natural magnetism that draws others to them, even while maintaining an air of mystery. This combination of intelligence, independence, and emotional depth makes Ravens compelling individuals who leave lasting impressions on those they encounter. Their name seems to shape a personality that embodies the raven's symbolic qualities - wisdom, transformation, and the ability to navigate between different realms of experience.
Modern Usage & Popularity
Raven has experienced an interesting evolution in modern naming trends. While historically used occasionally for both genders, the name gained significant popularity as a feminine name in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States. According to Social Security Administration data, Raven entered the top 1000 names for girls in 1977 and peaked at rank 172 in 1999. This surge coincided with Raven-Symoné's rising fame on 'The Cosby Show' and her subsequent Disney Channel series 'That's So Raven.' The name maintains moderate popularity today, ranking around the 300-400 range for girls in recent years. What's particularly notable is the growing acceptance of Raven as a unisex name, with increasing usage for boys as parents seek strong, nature-inspired names that break traditional gender boundaries. The name appeals to modern parents drawn to its combination of natural imagery, cultural depth, and distinctive sound. It's particularly popular among families seeking names with Native American or Norse cultural connections, as well as those attracted to gothic or mystical naming trends. The name's versatility allows it to work equally well in professional contexts and creative fields, contributing to its enduring appeal.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
The symbolic meanings associated with Raven are remarkably rich and multifaceted, drawing from centuries of cultural interpretation. Primarily, the raven represents transformation and change - its ability to adapt to different environments and its association with life cycles makes it a powerful symbol of personal growth and metamorphosis. In many traditions, ravens are seen as messengers between worlds, capable of moving between the physical and spiritual realms, making them symbols of mediation and hidden knowledge. Their black plumage connects them to mystery, the unknown, and the subconscious mind, while their remarkable intelligence represents wisdom, cunning, and problem-solving ability.
This duality extends to the raven's association with both creation and destruction. In Native American mythology, Raven is often a creator figure who brings light and order to the world, while in European traditions, ravens can symbolize death or misfortune. However, this 'death' symbolism is frequently transformative rather than purely negative - representing the end of one phase and the beginning of another. In alchemical tradition, the raven symbolizes the nigredo stage - the blackening that represents the dissolution of old forms necessary for spiritual rebirth. The raven's ability to thrive in challenging environments also makes it a symbol of resilience and survival. This complex web of meanings makes the name Raven particularly powerful, offering layers of symbolic depth that reflect the complexity of human experience itself.