"handsome at birth"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: English
Kevin
Pronunciation: [ k-EHV-ihn ]
Does Kevin flow with your last name?
An Irish saint's gentle strength — beloved since the 6th century
English
Irish
American
German
French
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"gentle, beloved"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
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Things to Know About This Name
- In Germany and Scandinavia, 'Kevin' became associated pejoratively in the 2000s with a working-class naming stereotype ('Kevinismus') — this is culture-specific and not a concern in English-speaking countries
The Story of Kevin
Kevin derives from the Irish Caoimhín, combining 'caomh' (gentle, handsome, beloved) and 'gein' (birth), traditionally interpreted as 'handsome at birth.' Saint Caoimhín of Glendalough (c. 498-618 AD) was one of Ireland's most beloved saints — a hermit monk known for his extraordinary harmony with nature. Legend says he held his hand motionless in prayer so long that a blackbird built a nest in his palm, and he waited patiently until the eggs hatched before moving.
Kevin peaked at #8 in the US in 1963 and remained in the top 20 through the 1980s. It was driven by Irish-American cultural pride and by celebrities including Kevin Costner and Kevin Bacon, who kept the name prominent through the 80s and 90s.
Saint Kevin (Caoimhín) is the patron saint of Dublin and one of Ireland's three patron saints alongside Patrick and Brigid. His monastery at Glendalough ('valley of two lakes') in County Wicklow remains one of Ireland's most visited heritage sites. In Germany, 'Kevinismus' became a sociological term for name-based social bias.
Historical Record
Kevin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,169,263 babies have been named Kevin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kevin is past its peak , currently ranked #196 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Kevin reportedly kept his hand still for months while a blackbird nested in his palm and hatched eggs
- Kevin Bacon's Six Degrees of Separation became a cultural institution and internet game
- In Germany, 'Kevinismus' became a sociological term for social bias based on first names
Kevin in Other Languages
Irish
Caoimhín
French
Kévin
German
Kevin
Italian
Kevin
Spanish
Kevin
Popularity Over Time
#196
Current Rank
Peaked 1963
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kevin
K
Kevin Durant
Athlete
1988
American NBA basketball player, two-time NBA champion, and considered one of the greatest scorers in basketball history
K
Kevin Costner
Actor
1955
American actor and filmmaker known for Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard, Field of Dreams, and Yellowstone
K
Kevin McCallister Fictional
Other
The resourceful 8-year-old who defends his home from burglars in Home Alone (1990), played by Macaulay Culkin
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Compare Kevin with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #196
- Total SSA Count
- 1,822
- Cultural Origins
- English Irish American German French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
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 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
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 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kevin
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kevin is also used as a girl name, ranked #48087.
View Kevin as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kevin
What does the name Kevin mean?
"handsome at birth" (from Irish Gaelic). "gentle, beloved" (from Old Irish). Kevin derives from the Irish Caoimhín, combining 'caomh' (gentle, handsome, beloved) and 'gein' (birth), traditionally interpreted as 'handsome at birth.' Saint Caoimhín of Glendalough (c. 498-618 AD) was one of Ireland's most beloved saints — a hermit monk known for his extraordinary harmony with nature. Legend says he held his hand motionless in prayer so long that a blackbird built a nest in his palm, and he waited patiently until the eggs hatched before moving.
What is the origin of the name Kevin?
Kevin has Irish Gaelic, Old Irish, English, Irish, American, German, and French origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "handsome at birth". In Old Irish, it means "gentle, beloved".
Is Kevin a boy or girl name?
Kevin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #196. As a girl name, it is ranked #48087. Kevin is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kevin?
Kevin is pronounced k-EHV-ihn.
How popular is the name Kevin?
Kevin is currently ranked #196 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kevin?
Common nicknames for Kevin include Kev.
What are good middle names for Kevin?
Popular middle name pairings include Kevin James, Kevin Michael, Kevin Patrick, Kevin Thomas, Kevin Daniel, and Kevin Joseph.
What are good sibling names for Kevin?
Names that pair well with Kevin as siblings include Brian, Patrick, Ryan, Megan, Erin, and Brendan.
How many syllables does Kevin have?
Kevin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kevin a common or rare name?
Kevin is a popular name, ranked #196 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Kevin?
Are there other spellings for Kevin?
Related spellings include Kevion.
About the Name Kevin
Kevin is a boy name with English, Irish, American, German, and French origins . The name means "handsome at birth" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Kevin a boy or girl name? Kevin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #196 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #48,087. Kevin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kevin is currently ranked #196 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kevin has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHV-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kevin include Kev. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kevin include Kevion . 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