'Eva' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'Ḥawwā(h)' (חַוָּה), where the root meant 'to breathe' or 'to live'.

'Eva' changed from Hebrew 'Ḥawwā(h)' into Latin and medieval forms (seen as Old French 'Eue' and Middle English 'Eue'/'Eve') and eventually became the modern English form 'Eva'.

Initially, it meant 'life' (as the name of the first woman in biblical tradition), and over time it evolved into its current use primarily as a female given name.