"handsome, beloved"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
Keven
Pronunciation: [ k-EEV-uhn ]
Does Keven flow with your last name?
A gentle Irish classic with saintly roots
Irish
English
American
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Classic
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Gentle
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The Story of Keven
Keven is a variant spelling of Kevin, the Anglicized form of the Old Irish Caoimhín, from caomh meaning gentle, kind, or handsome, combined with a diminutive suffix. Saint Kevin of Glendalough (498-618 AD) was one of the patron saints of Dublin, and his popularity helped spread the name throughout Ireland and the English-speaking world. The spelling Keven (with an e) is less common and gives the name a slightly distinctive look.
Kevin peaked in popularity in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s, ranking in the top 20 for decades. It remains a solidly recognized name but has declined from peak fashion, reflecting the natural cycle of generational names. The Keven spelling appeals to parents who want a familiar name with a subtle personal twist.
Saint Kevin of Glendalough is venerated in Irish Catholic tradition as the patron saint of Dublin. His legendary gentleness with animals — including the story of a blackbird nesting in his outstretched hand — embodies the name meaning of kindness and gentleness. The name remains a proud marker of Irish heritage worldwide.
Historical Record
Keven first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 8,687 babies have been named Keven in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Keven is past its peak , currently ranked #6,360 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Kevin of Glendalough is said to have lived to age 120 according to hagiographic tradition
- The Wicklow Mountains in Ireland contain Glendalough, a monastic settlement founded by Saint Kevin that remains a major pilgrimage site
- Kevin became one of the first Irish names to become widely fashionable in America, helped by the wave of Irish immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries
Keven in Other Languages
Irish
Caoimhín
Welsh
Cefin
French
Kevin
German
Kevin
Spanish
Kevin
Popularity Over Time
#6,360
Current Rank
Peaked 1967
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Keven
K
Kevin Hart
Entertainer
1979
American comedian and actor, one of the highest-grossing comedians in history
K
Kevin Bacon
Actor
1958
American actor known for Footloose and the concept of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon
K
Kevin McCallister Fictional
Other
The resourceful 8-year-old protagonist of the Home Alone film series, played by Macaulay Culkin
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Compare Keven with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,360
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- Irish English American French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Kev
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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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, 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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Keven
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Keven
Phonetic neighbors that share Keven's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
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Also a Girl Name
Keven is also used as a girl name, ranked #23199.
View Keven as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keven
What does the name Keven mean?
"handsome, beloved" (from Old Irish). Keven is a variant spelling of Kevin, the Anglicized form of the Old Irish Caoimhín, from caomh meaning gentle, kind, or handsome, combined with a diminutive suffix. Saint Kevin of Glendalough (498-618 AD) was one of the patron saints of Dublin, and his popularity helped spread the name throughout Ireland and the English-speaking world. The spelling Keven (with an e) is less common and gives the name a slightly distinctive look.
What is the origin of the name Keven?
Keven has Old Irish, Irish, English, American, and French origins. In Old Irish, it means "handsome, beloved".
Is Keven a boy or girl name?
Keven is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #6360. As a girl name, it is ranked #23199. Keven is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Keven?
Keven is pronounced k-EEV-uhn.
How popular is the name Keven?
Keven is currently ranked #6360 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Keven?
Common nicknames for Keven include Kev.
What are good middle names for Keven?
Popular middle name pairings include Keven James, Keven Michael, Keven Patrick, Keven Thomas, Keven John, and Keven Lee.
What are good sibling names for Keven?
Names that pair well with Keven as siblings include Brian, Sean, Colleen, Siobhan, Brendan, and Niamh.
How many syllables does Keven have?
Keven has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Keven a common or rare name?
Keven is an uncommon name, ranked #6360 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Keven
Keven is a boy name with Irish, English, American, and French origins . The name means "handsome, beloved" in Old Irish .
Is Keven a boy or girl name? Keven is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #6,360 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #23,199. Keven is more commonly used as a boy name.
Keven is currently ranked #6,360 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Keven has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EEV-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Keven include Kev. 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