 The comune gets its name from the Neva, a stram flowing down from the Ligurian Alps and crossing its territory.The town was part of the Marca Aleramica in the 10th century, and in 1091 it became a possession of Boniface del Vasto.Later it was under the Clavesana family, and in 1274 it was acquired by the commune of Albenga, which fortified it.