"green river, fresh water"
Origin: Brythonic Celtic
Language: Scottish
Irving
Pronunciation: [ ERV-ihng ]
Boy Name
#1,618 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A Scots-born name beloved in early America
Scottish
English
American
Jewish-American
Vintage
Classic
Traditional
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"from the River Irvine"
Origin: Scottish place name
Language: English
The Story of Irving
Irving derives from the Scottish town of Irvine in Ayrshire, Scotland, whose name comes from the River Irvine. The river's name is believed to derive from the Brythonic Celtic words for 'green river' or 'fresh water.' The surname Irving transferred to use as a first name in the 19th century, particularly popular among Jewish-American families in the early 20th century as an assimilating anglicization of Hebrew names like Israel or Yitzhak.
Irving peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1910s-1940s, when it was a common name among immigrant Jewish communities seeking Americanized names. It declined sharply after World War II as naming conventions changed. Famous bearers include composer Irving Berlin and writer Washington Irving.
In American Jewish culture of the early 20th century, Irving was one of the most common anglicizations, chosen because it began with the same letter as traditional names like Israel or Itzak while sounding thoroughly American. The name is now closely associated with the Greatest Generation.
Fun Facts
- Irving Berlin, born Israel Beilin, chose this name as his American identity and wrote 'God Bless America' and 'White Christmas'
- Washington Irving is the father of American literature, author of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'
- The town of Irving, Texas was named after Washington Irving by its founder
Irving in Other Languages
Hebrew
ישראל (Israel, origin)
Yiddish
Irving
Scottish Gaelic
Irvine
Famous People Named Irving
I
Irving Penn
Artist
1917
Pioneering American fashion and portrait photographer
I
Irving Berlin
Musician
1888
Russian-American composer who wrote 'White Christmas,' 'God Bless America,' and over 1,500 songs
W
Washington Irving
Writer
1783
American author considered the first great American writer, creator of Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,618
- Total SSA Count
- 105
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish English American Jewish-American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Irv
Irvy
Pairs Well With
Irving Samuel
Irving Harold
Irving Leonard
Irving Bernard
Irving Walter
Irving Arthur
Irving Morris
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Irving is also used as a girl name, ranked #17130.
View Irving as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Irving
What does the name Irving mean?
"green river, fresh water" (from Brythonic Celtic). "from the River Irvine" (from Scottish place name). Irving derives from the Scottish town of Irvine in Ayrshire, Scotland, whose name comes from the River Irvine. The river's name is believed to derive from the Brythonic Celtic words for 'green river' or 'fresh water.' The surname Irving transferred to use as a first name in the 19th century, particularly popular among Jewish-American families in the early 20th century as an assimilating anglicization of Hebrew names like Israel or Yitzhak.
What is the origin of the name Irving?
Irving has Brythonic Celtic, Scottish place name, Scottish, English, American, and Jewish-American origins. In Brythonic Celtic, it means "green river, fresh water". In Scottish place name, it means "from the River Irvine".
Is Irving a boy or girl name?
Irving is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1618. As a girl name, it is ranked #17130. Irving is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Irving?
Irving is pronounced ERV-ihng.
How popular is the name Irving?
Irving is currently ranked #1618 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Irving?
Common nicknames for Irving include Irv and Irvy.
What are good middle names for Irving?
Popular middle name pairings include Irving Samuel, Irving Harold, Irving Leonard, Irving Bernard, Irving Walter, Irving Arthur, and Irving Morris.
What are good sibling names for Irving?
Names that pair well with Irving as siblings include Milton, Howard, Sylvia, Dorothy, Ethel, Murray, and Shirley.
How many syllables does Irving have?
Irving has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Irving a common or rare name?
Irving is an uncommon name, ranked #1618 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Irving
Irving is a boy name with Scottish, English, American, and Jewish-American origins . The name means "green river, fresh water" in Brythonic Celtic .
Is Irving a boy or girl name? Irving is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,618 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #17,130. Irving is more commonly used as a boy name.
Irving is currently ranked #1,618 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Irving has 2 syllables and is pronounced ERV-ihng, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Irving include Irv and Irvy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Irving include Irvin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.