Irvin

“Friend of the sea”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#1880US 2023

320Births / yr

→Stable

39.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Irvin

ER·vin

/ˈɝ.vɪn/ · stress on ER · 2 syllables

“Friend of the sea”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Irvin mean and where does it come from?

Irvin is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the name 'Irving', which means 'green river'. It has been used both as a first name and a surname. The name has gained some popularity in the United States, particularly in the 20th century. Irvin may also be a variation that reflects a softer feminin

Cultural significance

Irvin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of friend of the sea.

Peak popularity

Reached #2959 in 1921 — currently #1880 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Irvin?

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

Earvin

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Irvin?

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

Irvin Grace

How popular is Irvin right now?

Holding steady — currently #1880 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1930–2023#1880 · Top 1.4%

1930

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1880	320	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2022	#1885	300	▲ up 5 · +11% births
2021	#1890	270	▲ up 1783 · +3757% births
1930	#3673	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Irvin

Best Year2023Rank #1880

Peak Count320

Average Rank#2332

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1930 - 20234 years

The story of Irvin

Irvin entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. A total of 39,581 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3673 in 1930 to #1880 in 2023. Irvin is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Irvin in 1921:

Mary Dorothy Helen Margaret Ruth

Irvin by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	770
1890s	789
1900s	1,007
1910s	5,264
1920s ★	7,284
1930s	4,772
1940s	3,891
1950s	3,384
1960s	2,123
1970s	1,188
1980s	1,407
1990s	2,989
2000s	3,112
2010s	1,520
2020s	81

What are good nicknames for Irvin?

Common

Irv

What names sound and feel like Irvin?

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

Hirvin

American · sea warrior

Irbin

Albania · little iron

Irmin

Irish · A Irish name

Irwin

Scotland · green / fresh

American · The name Orvin

How is Irvin written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Irvin

What does the name Irvin mean?

Irvin means "Friend of the sea" — a name rooted in American 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 Irvin?

Irvin is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Irvin?

Irvin originates from American tradition. American 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 Irvin?

Irvin is a two-syllable name pronounced ER1 V IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Irvin a common or rare name?

Irvin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.