Irving

“green river”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#1719US 2023

97Births / yr

↓Falling

44kAll-time births

📅 Since 191500

How to pronounce Irving

ER·ving

/ˈɝ.vɪŋ/ · stress on ER · 2 syllables

“green river”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

What does Irving mean and where does it come from?

Irving is traditionally a male name of Scottish origin (derived from 'Irving'), but has become increasingly popular as a gender-neutral name or even used for females, especially in contemporary settings. It comes from a geographic location in Scotland meaning 'green river'. Notable people with the n

Cultural significance

Irving has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish.

Peak popularity

Reached #2962 in 1928 — currently #1719 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Irving?

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

Irving Grace

How popular is Irving right now?

Falling — down 62 spots — currently #1719 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1719 · Top 1.3%

1915

1920

1925

1930

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1719	97	▼ down 62 · -7% births
2022	#1657	104	▲ up 74 · +11% births
2021	#1731	94	▲ up 1635 · +1075% births
1930	#3366	8	▲ up 313
1925	#3679	8	▲ up 298 · +14% births
1920	#3977	7	▲ up 305 · +40% births
1915	#4282	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Irving

Best Year2022Rank #1657

Peak Count104

Average Rank#2916

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20237 years

The story of Irving

Irving entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. A total of 43,959 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4282 in 1915 to #1719 in 2023. Irving is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Irving in 1928:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Irving by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	654
1890s	903
1900s	1,524
1910s	10,752
1920s ★	11,960
1930s	4,248
1940s	2,933
1950s	2,405
1960s	1,464
1970s	883
1980s	1,205
1990s	1,928
2000s	1,768
2010s	1,240
2020s	92

What are good nicknames for Irving?

Common

Irv

What names sound and feel like Irving?

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

Irwing

English · boar settlement

Irvine

Scotland · Green water

Irvin

American · Friend of the

Hirving

Mexico · Possibly a variation

Irwin

Scotland · green / fresh

Erving

English · English

Irvina

Hebrew · Tree of Life

Sirking

USA · Potentially from 'sir'

How is Irving written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Irving

What does the name Irving mean?

Irving means "Scottish" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Irving?

Irving is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Irving?

Irving originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Irving?

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

Is Irving a common or rare name?

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