"fierce valor, unlucky"
Origin: Irish
Language: English
Devlin
Pronunciation: [ d-EHVL-ihn ]
Does Devlin flow with your last name?
A fierce Irish surname turned bold girl's name
Irish
American
English
Strong
Bold
Modern
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"descendant of Dobhailén"
Origin: Gaelic
Language: Irish
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The Story of Devlin
Devlin is an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Dobhailéin, meaning 'descendant of Dobhailén,' which is thought to derive from 'dobhail' meaning fierce or 'unlucky.' As a given name for girls, Devlin represents the modern trend of adopting strong Irish surnames as first names, giving it a bold, distinctive character that stands apart from more traditional feminine names.
Devlin gained traction as a girl's name in the early 2000s as parents sought strong, surname-style names for daughters. Its Irish heritage and punchy two-syllable sound made it appealing to families of Irish descent and those drawn to unconventional name choices.
In Irish culture, the Devlin family (Ó Dobhailéin) was historically centered in County Tyrone. The name carries associations with fierce Irish spirit and warrior culture, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with Celtic strength.
Historical Record
Devlin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1970.
Over 195 babies have been named Devlin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Devlin is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #62,183 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Devlin is more commonly found as a surname in Ireland, particularly in County Tyrone and Ulster
- The name has been rising as a girl's given name since the early 2000s
- Irish surname names for girls (like Devlin, Quinn, and Riley) became a major naming trend in the 21st century
Devlin in Other Languages
Irish
Dobhailén
Welsh
Devlin
French
Devlin
Scottish Gaelic
Devlin
Popularity Over Time
#62,183
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Devlin with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #62,183
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Dev
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Devlin
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Devlin
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Also a Boy Name
Devlin is also used as a boy name, ranked #6836.
View Devlin as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Irish)
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Germanic origin
"ruler of the people"
#62,044 in US
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Etruscan origin
"stony ridge, rocky heights"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Devlin
What does the name Devlin mean?
"fierce valor, unlucky" (from Irish). "descendant of Dobhailén" (from Gaelic). Devlin is an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Dobhailéin, meaning 'descendant of Dobhailén,' which is thought to derive from 'dobhail' meaning fierce or 'unlucky.' As a given name for girls, Devlin represents the modern trend of adopting strong Irish surnames as first names, giving it a bold, distinctive character that stands apart from more traditional feminine names.
What is the origin of the name Devlin?
Devlin has Irish, Gaelic, American, and English origins. In Irish, it means "fierce valor, unlucky". In Gaelic, it means "descendant of Dobhailén".
Is Devlin a boy or girl name?
Devlin is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #62183. As a boy name, it is ranked #6836. Devlin is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Devlin?
Devlin is pronounced d-EHVL-ihn.
How popular is the name Devlin?
Devlin is currently ranked #62183 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Devlin?
Common nicknames for Devlin include Dev.
What are good middle names for Devlin?
Popular middle name pairings include Devlin Rose, Devlin Marie, Devlin Grace, Devlin Kate, Devlin Ann, Devlin Claire, and Devlin Jo.
What are good sibling names for Devlin?
Names that pair well with Devlin as siblings include Declan, Brennan, Fiona, Nora, Rowan, Sloane, and Quinn.
How many syllables does Devlin have?
Devlin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Devlin a common or rare name?
Devlin is an uncommon name, ranked #62183 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Devlin
Devlin is a girl name with Irish, American, and English origins . The name means "fierce valor, unlucky" in Irish .
Is Devlin a boy or girl name? Devlin is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #62,183 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #6,836. Devlin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Devlin is currently ranked #62,183 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Devlin has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EHVL-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Devlin include Dev. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis