Alva \a-lva, al-va\ as a girl's name (also used as boy's name Alva), is pronounced AL-vah. It is of Swedish origin, and the meaning of Alva is "elf". Also anglicized form of the traditional Irish Gaelic name Ailbhe, meaning "white, noble bright". Better known as a man's name, as in Thomas Alva Edison.

Alva has 7 variant forms: Alba, Albina, Albine, Albinia, Allie, Alvah and Alvit.

For more information, see also the related name Alvarita.

Baby names that sound like Alva are Elva, Alvy, Alfa, Olva and Ulva.