Kevin: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Kevin mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Irish: Handsome, kind, and noble
Gaelic: Gentle and lovable
Scottish: Good-looking, fair
English: Royal obligation

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Kevin is pronounced keh-vin.

The name Kevin has its roots in the Irish name Caoimhín, which means "handsome," "kind," and "noble." It originates from the Gaelic word caomh, which connotes gentleness and lovability. The name became popular in the English-speaking world due to the influence of early Irish saints, particularly Saint Kevin of Glendalough, who was known for his piety and kindness.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Irish: Anglicized form of Ó Caoimhín "descent of Caoimhín" (Kevin), a byname representing a diminutive of Gaelic caomh "comely", "beloved." This was the name of a 7th-century saint who is one of the patron saints of Dublin.

Famous people with this first name

Famous people who gave their babies this name

John McEnroe

Tatum O'Neal

Kevin in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Kevin McCallister from Home Alone - A clever and resourceful boy who defends his house from burglars when he's accidentally left behind by his family during Christmas.
Kevin Flynn from TRON - A computer programmer and video game developer who becomes trapped inside a digital world he created.
Kevin Arnold from The Wonder Years - The protagonist of the series, navigating the trials and tribulations of adolescence during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Kevin Malone from The Office - A bumbling but lovable accountant known for his unique perspective on life and work.
Kevin Levin from Ben 10 - A character who starts as an antagonist but later becomes a valuable ally with the ability to absorb and manipulate energy.

Popularity of the Name Kevin

According to Social Security Administration data, Kevin has seen varied popularity over the years. It was particularly popular in the latter half of the 20th century, consistently ranking within the top 20 names from the 1950s through the 1980s. However, its popularity has slightly waned in recent years, though it remains a beloved classic.

Historically, the name Kevin is notable for Saint Kevin, a 6th-century Irish saint who founded the monastery at Glendalough. In modern times, famous Kevins include actors Kevin Costner and Kevin Bacon, writer Kevin Smith, and musician Kevin Jonas. Fictional characters named Kevin can be found in media such as the movie Home Alone, the TV series The Office, and the animated film Up.