Alvah

Alvah is a masculine given name that has appeared in English-language records, particularly in the United States, from the 18th or 19th century onward. It was most common in the 19th century and is less frequently used today. The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it is often linked to biblical or Old World place-name traditions. Etymological theories connect Alvah to roots such as the Hebrew Elah, which can refer to a terebinth or oak, or to variant forms like Alva.

In addition to its use as a given name, Alvah is also the name of a place in Scotland. Alvah refers to a village and civil parish in Banffshire, known for its rural character and surrounding farmland. The locality provides a historical point of reference for the name outside of personal use.

Variations and related forms of the name include Alva, which has been more widely used in various cultures, and, less commonly, other Anglicized variants. While Alvah remains part of historical and genealogical records, it is generally considered uncommon in contemporary naming.

See also:

Alva, a related given name with broader contemporary usage; Elah, a biblical place name that is sometimes connected to the linguistic roots of Alvah.