Calvin

“bald”

France origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#152US 2023

2.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

209.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 191400

How to pronounce Calvin

KALV·un

/ˈkælv.ən/ · stress on KALV · 2 syllables

“bald”

France origin · Unisex name

What does Calvin mean and where does it come from?

While Calvin is traditionally a male name, its use as a female name has risen in modern contexts. The name originates from the French surname 'Cauvin', which means 'bald'. It was historically borne by notable figures, including John Calvin, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation. The name has be

Cultural significance

Calvin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #1781 in 1926 — currently #152 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Calvin?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Calvin?

Calvin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Calvin Grace

How popular is Calvin right now?

Holding steady — currently #152 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#152 · Top 0.11%

1945

1950

1955

1960

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1975

1980

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2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#152	2,410	▼ down 4 · -7% births
2022	#148	2,592	▼ down 3
2021	#145	2,591	▲ up 10844 · +32288% births
2020	#10989	8	▲ up 809 · +33% births
1995	#11798	6	▼ down 2542 · -25% births
1990	#9256	8	▼ down 5127 · -58% births
1985	#4129	19	▲ up 1125 · +46% births
1980	#5254	13	▼ down 873 · -7% births
1975	#4381	14	▼ down 495 · -7% births
1970	#3886	15	▼ down 1139 · -25% births
1965	#2747	20	▼ down 547 · -29% births
1960	#2200	28	▲ up 647 · +75% births
1955	#2847	16	▲ up 224 · +33% births
1950	#3071	12	▼ down 317 · +9% births
1945	#2754	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Calvin

Best Year2021Rank #145

Peak Count2,592

Average Rank#3868

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202321 years

The story of Calvin

Calvin entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. More than 209,274 babies have been named Calvin since 1914. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3447 in 1915 to #152 in 2023. Calvin is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Calvin in 1926:

Mary Dorothy Betty Helen Margaret

Calvin by decade

Calvin peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	1,236
1890s	1,102
1900s	1,291
1910s	5,744
1920s	24,945
1930s	14,283
1940s	19,334
1950s ★	30,727
1960s	22,109
1970s	13,989
1980s	15,939
1990s	16,888
2000s	16,112
2010s	23,048
2020s	2,527

What are good nicknames for Calvin?

ENGLISH

Cal

What names sound and feel like Calvin?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Calvin also consider these

Romanian · Vigilant, brave

Carlvin

English · free man

Cavin

English · from 'Caemhghin' -

Cassin

France · French

Talvin

American · A blend or

Malvin

Scotland · Servant of the

Common questions about the name Calvin

What does the name Calvin mean?

Calvin means "English" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Calvin?

Calvin is currently ranked #152 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Calvin?

Calvin originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Calvin?

Calvin is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 L V AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Calvin more of a girl or boy name?

Calvin is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.