When it comes to naming a baby girl, parents have many options to choose from. Some prefer traditional and feminine names, while others may want something more unique or gender-neutral. So when considering the name ‘Seven’ for a girl, the first question is – is Seven traditionally a girl’s name or more commonly used for boys?
The History and Meaning Behind the Name Seven
The name Seven derives from the number 7. As a name, it first came into use in the 1950s and 1960s and was likely influenced by the TV show ‘Seventh Heaven’. It’s considered a modern invented name, blending the number’s meaning with heaven’s connotations of luck and blessings.
In numerology, the number 7 is associated with spiritual awakening, wisdom, inner knowledge, and good fortune. It’s thought to be a mystical number that connects the material world with the spiritual realm. So naming a child Seven taps into those positive qualities.
The use of numbers as names is called anthroponomastics. While unusual, Seven joins other number names like Five, Sixto, Octavia, and Nine in this style of naming. So while uncommon, using numbers as names has precedent.
Pop Culture References
In addition to the TV show Seventh Heaven, here are a few other pop culture reference points for the name Seven:
- The 1995 movie ‘Se7en’ starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman
- George Costanza planned to name his child Seven on Seinfeld
- The character Seven of Nine in Star Trek Voyager
- The rhythm of the name may reference the James Bond movie ‘Seven’
So the name Seven has appeared in movies, TV, and books, giving it some familiarity despite its uniqueness.
Is Seven Traditionally Used for Boys or Girls?
Traditionally, Seven has been more commonly used as a boy’s name rather than for girls. This likely connects to the tendency for number names in general to skew towards masculine usage.
For example, popular number names like Seven and Five have historically been given to boys. While some number names like Octavia have tipped towards feminine usage.
Names ending in the letter ‘N’ also tend to be more popular for boys than girls. So the sound of Seven channels more masculine style names in that regard.
That said, name trends are constantly evolving. So while Seven may have started as predominantly male, it’s seen increasing usage for girls in recent years.
Seven for Boys
Here are some statistics on the boy’s usage of the name Seven:
- First appeared on the US male naming charts in 1951
- Peaked at #715 in the 1960s and 80s for boys
- Given to over 4000 males in the US historically
- Currently ranked #1685 for US boys
So while never highly popular, the name Seven has an established history of masculine usage over the past 70+ years.
Seven for Girls
The name Seven has been climbing the charts for girls since the 2000s:
- First appeared for girls in 1985 in the US
- Peaked at #578 in 2015 for girls
- Given to over 2000 females historically
- Currently ranked #804 for girls
So while the statistics still favor boy usage, Seven is gaining ground as a female name choice.
How Popular is Seven for Girls Currently?
As mentioned above, Seven ranks #804 on the girls naming charts as of 2022. Here is how it compares to some other more popular girl’s names in the US right now:
| Name | Popularity Ranking |
|---|---|
| Olivia | #1 |
| Emma | #2 |
| Amelia | #3 |
| Charlotte | #4 |
| Ava | #5 |
| Sophia | #6 |
| Isabella | #7 |
| Mia | #8 |
| Evelyn | #9 |
| Harper | #10 |
| Seven | #804 |
So while not nearly as common as the current top 10 girl’s names, Seven for girls is gaining ground. It offers parents a unique name within the top 1000.
Seven for Girls by State
Here is how the girl’s name Seven ranks in a few selected states for some additional geographic comparison:
| State | Popularity Ranking |
|---|---|
| California | #701 |
| Texas | #961 |
| Florida | #794 |
| New York | #830 |
| Pennsylvania | #602 |
It appears Seven resonates well for girls on both coasts, ranking higher in California and New York. The name is less common in southern states like Texas currently.
The Pros of Naming a Girl Seven
What are some of the advantages of using Seven as a girl’s name?
- Unique: Seven stands out as a rare name, helping your daughter’s identity.
- Modern: The name feels fresh, contemporary, and stylish.
- Pop culture fun: References like Se7en and Seven of Nine make it recognizable.
- Uplifting meaning: Ties to luck, blessings, inner wisdom, and spiritual growth.
- Tomboy friendly: Seven leans into gender-neutral edge for a bold daughter.
- Nickname potential: Could use nickname Sev or Evie.
For parents seeking an uncommon but meaningful name, Seven has a lot of upside as a girl’s name choice today.
The Cons of Naming a Girl Seven
What are some of the downsides of using Seven for a daughter?
- Masculine lean: Still statistically more popular for boys.
- Spelling issues: People may mistakenly hear it as Evan or Steven.
- Numerology concerns: Some may find the number 7 burdensome or superstitious.
- Teasing risks: Potential nickname Seven-Eleven by bullies.
- Professional concerns: Could encounter bias in work/academic settings.
The unconventional styling of Seven may come with some challenges or preconceptions to manage as a girl’s name choice.
Tips for Using Seven as a Girl’s Name
Here are some tips to consider if naming your daughter Seven:
- Use a longer formal name like Seven Victoria that offers a more typical fallback.
- Combine with a feminine middle name like Seven Isabel Smith.
- Introduce the name on paper first to set the pronunciation.
- Encourage your daughter to go by a nickname like Eve or Vivi if needed.
- Prepare your child to confidently address any teasers or confusion.
With some supportive guidance, Seven can be an empowering and distinctive name for a girl with the right spirit.
Sibling Name Ideas for Seven
If considering Seven for one daughter, here are some baby name suggestions that could pair nicely for siblings:
Brother names
- Asher
- Felix
- Jude
- Leo
- Miles
- Oakley
- Rhys
Sister names
- Autumn
- Flora
- Ivy
- Hazel
- Luna
- Olive
- Willow
Complementary nature names and gender-neutral picks can make nice sounding sibling sets with a daughter named Seven.
Famous People Named Seven
While no highly famous celebrities or historical figures have been named Seven yet, here are a few interesting public figures with the name:
- Seven Graham – Daughter of director Paul Thomas Anderson
- Seven Arnold – Son of actor Tom Arnold
- Seven Sirius Fulmer – Son of musician Peter Frampton
Musicians like Peter Frampton and film directors like Paul Thomas Anderson represent the creative types drawn to the name Seven for their children.
Popularity Over Time for Girls
Looking at the progression of the girl’s name Seven over time shows how it has caught on more for females in recent years:
| Years | Ranking |
|---|---|
| 1951 | Not ranked |
| 1960 | Not ranked |
| 1970 | Not ranked |
| 1980 | Not ranked |
| 1990 | Not ranked |
| 2000 | #5003 |
| 2010 | #1323 |
| 2020 | #804 |
From no usage historically to entering the top 1000 in the 2000s and 2010s, Seven is on an upward trajectory for girls in the USA currently.
Popularity in Other English Speaking Countries
The girl’s name Seven is less common but still rising in other English-speaking nations as well:
- Australia – ranked #1163 for girls
- Canada – ranked #1084 for girls
- United Kingdom – ranked #4562 for girls
So the modern name Seven is making its mark beyond just American shores and could continue rising internationally.
Conclusion
In the end, naming trends are always evolving. While Seven has historically skewed male, it is establishing itself as a daring and evocative option for girls today. Its mystical numerology meaning, combined with pop culture familiarity, gives Seven a contemporary vibe. For parents seeking a truly uncommon name connected to wisdom and inner strength, Seven offers a distinctive choice for a daughter.