Marva

Meaning & origin

Marva is a feminine given name with roots in Hebrew, where it denotes the herb sage (salvia). In English usage, it also developed as a female counterpart to the name Marvin, which carries the sense of “renowned friend.” The name gained wider recognition in 1935 when boxer Joe Louis married Marva Trotter shortly before his highly publicized fight at Yankee Stadium; Trotter was a Harlem fashion model. Notable bearers of the name include Marva Dawn (born Gersmehl), a Christian educator and author; Marva Jean Cooks II, known professionally as “Marvaless,” an American rapper; and Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Inclusion at ViacomCBS.

First names similar to Marva

These names share a close sound or structure with Marva and provide extra inspiration.

Famous people with the first name Marva

• Marva Collins Writer
• Marva Hicks Singer
• Marva Whitney Musician

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