Vaiva

Vaiva is a Lithuanian female given name of Baltic origin. It is a shortening of the Lithuanian word vaivorykštė, meaning "rainbow". According to Baltic mythology, the rainbow was considered one of the manifestations of the pagan destiny goddess Laima. Vaiva's father, according to myth, is Perkūnas, the thunder god.

Mythological Significance

In myth, Vaiva is a Laumė (a type of fairy or goddess) who was the bride of Perkūnas. The rainbow was called the ribbon of Vaiva. Despite her marriage, she had a beloved singer named Straublys, who stole her ribbon. During rain, Straublys stretches the ribbon across the sky, while Perkūnas angrily shouts in thunder. It was believed that the rainbow causes rain, and Lithuanian shepherds had a prayer or curse that the rainbow would turn to pieces and make the rain go away.

Popularization and Notable Bearers

The name was popularized by V. Krėvė-Mickevičius's tale "Perkūnas, Vaiva ir Straublys" written in 1922. Notable individuals with the name include:

• Vaiva Radasta Vėbraitė (described in the Wikipedia extract)
• Vaiva Rykštaitė (described in the Wikipedia extract)

Key Facts

• Meaning: Rainbow
• Origin: Lithuanian / Baltic
• Type: Given name
• Usage regions: Lithuania
• Associated mythology: Daughter of Perkūnas, bride of Perkūnas, Laima's manifestation