Haven

Haven is an English vocabulary word, a noun that means “a place of shelter, safety” or a “refuge”. In Olde English the word hæfen was used to signify a haven, port or harbor, from the root element “hæf” meaning “sea”. Originally used to describe a harbor, or safe place for ships to anchor or dock, the word “haven” acquired its figurative meaning of “refuge” by the 12th century. Today when we use the word haven we’re exclusively referring to a protective place (as in a haven for wildlife). A haven is a place where people or animals can rest and flourish without the impediments of negative or hostile outside elements. As a female given name, Haven was probably coined in the same way that Heaven came to be used (or Eden or Zion for that matter). These are more symbolic place names rather than geographical ones. They connote a sense of peace and safety which are positive qualities any parent might wish for their beloved baby. Haven’s usage as a baby girl’s name is currently restricted to North America (the United States and Canada). It is sometimes, although rarely, bestowed on baby boys.