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 #1624 in 2024 — currently #1783 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Irving?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Irving John
One syllable · timeless choice
Irving Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Irving Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Irving Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Irving Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Irving right now?
Falling — down 159 spots — currently #1783 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1783 | 90 | ▼ down 159 · -14% births |
| 2024 | #1624 | 105 | ▲ up 95 · +8% births |
| 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 | — |
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 2024:
Irving by decade
Irving peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s 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 | 287 | |
What are good nicknames for Irving?
What names sound and feel like Irving?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Irving also consider these
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 ER-ving. 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.