"deep valley dwellers"
Origin: Celtic
Language: English
Devon
Pronunciation: [ d-EHV-uhn ]
Does Devon flow with your last name?
An English countryside name with Celtic valley roots
English
American
Celtic
Classic
Earthy
Moderate
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Devon as a Fantasy Character
Human lore, pronunciation, D&D class tips
Meaning & Origin
"poet, bard"
Origin: Brythonic Celtic
Language: Welsh
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The Story of Devon
Devon derives from the English county of Devon (Devonshire), whose name comes from the Celtic Dumnonii tribe — thought to mean 'deep valley dwellers' or possibly 'the miners.' The name may also relate to the Brythonic Celtic word for 'poet' or 'bard' (dafn). Devon has been used as a given name since at least the mid-20th century, appealing to parents who like the soft, natural sound of English place names.
Devon peaked in American popularity in the late 1980s and 1990s as part of the trend for soft, two-syllable names with Celtic or English origins. It works as both a boy's and girl's name. It has declined somewhat in favor of more distinctive alternatives.
Devon in England is one of the most beautiful counties, famous for the moors (Dartmoor and Exmoor), cliffs, cream teas, and medieval villages. It carries an image of rural English beauty and rugged natural landscapes. The association with pastoral English life gives the name a wholesome, grounded quality.
Historical Record
Devon first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 71,458 babies have been named Devon in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Devon is past its peak , currently ranked #960 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Devonshire (Devon) is the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake, Walter Raleigh, and Agatha Christie
- Devon cream tea — featuring clotted cream and scones — is a beloved British tradition hotly debated between Devon and Cornwall
- The Devonian period in geology (419-358 million years ago) is named after Devon where its characteristic rock formations were first studied
Devon in Other Languages
Irish
Daimhín
Welsh
Dyfan
French
Devon
English
Devin
Spanish
Devon
Popularity Over Time
#960
Current Rank
Peaked 1994
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Devon
D
Devon Still
Athlete
1989
NFL defensive tackle whose journey with his daughter Leah's cancer treatment inspired millions and won the NFL's Ed Bloc...
NFL defensive tackle whose journey with his daughter Leah's cancer treatment inspired millions and won the NFL's Ed Block Courage Award
D
Devon Sawa
Actor
1978
Canadian actor known for roles in Casper, Wild America, and the Final Destination franchise
D
Devon (Drake character) Fictional
Other
A recurring character name in various American teen dramas of the 1990s-2000s, used to evoke a clean-cut, sporty America...
A recurring character name in various American teen dramas of the 1990s-2000s, used to evoke a clean-cut, sporty American boy
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Compare Devon with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #960
- Total SSA Count
- 236
- Cultural Origins
- English American Celtic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dev
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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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, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Devon
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Devon is also used as a girl name, ranked #3700.
View Devon as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Devon
What does the name Devon mean?
"deep valley dwellers" (from Celtic). "poet, bard" (from Brythonic Celtic). Devon derives from the English county of Devon (Devonshire), whose name comes from the Celtic Dumnonii tribe — thought to mean 'deep valley dwellers' or possibly 'the miners.' The name may also relate to the Brythonic Celtic word for 'poet' or 'bard' (dafn). Devon has been used as a given name since at least the mid-20th century, appealing to parents who like the soft, natural sound of English place names.
What is the origin of the name Devon?
Devon has Celtic, Brythonic Celtic, English, and American origins. In Celtic, it means "deep valley dwellers". In Brythonic Celtic, it means "poet, bard".
Is Devon a boy or girl name?
Devon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #960. As a girl name, it is ranked #3700. Devon is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Devon?
Devon is pronounced d-EHV-uhn.
How popular is the name Devon?
Devon is currently ranked #960 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Devon?
Common nicknames for Devon include Dev.
What are good middle names for Devon?
Popular middle name pairings include Devon James, Devon Michael, Devon Lee, Devon Scott, Devon Cole, Devon Blake, and Devon Grant.
What are good sibling names for Devon?
Names that pair well with Devon as siblings include Ashton, Morgan, Riley, Cameron, Brett, Cassidy, and Tristan.
How many syllables does Devon have?
Devon has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Devon a common or rare name?
Devon is moderately common, ranked #960 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Devon?
About the Name Devon
Devon is a boy name with English, American, and Celtic origins . The name means "deep valley dwellers" in Celtic .
Is Devon a boy or girl name? Devon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #960 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,700. Devon is more commonly used as a boy name.
Devon is currently ranked #960 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Devon has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EHV-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Devon include Dev. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Devon include Devonte, Devontae . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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