What does Kevin mean and where does it come from?
Traditionally a male name of Irish origin, Kevin has been increasingly used for females, especially in the United States. The name is derived from the Irish name 'Caomhán', which means 'handsome' or 'gentle'. It gained popularity during the 20th century and was notably borne by Saint Kevin, the foun
Cultural significance
Kevin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of handsome.
Peak popularity
Reached #11 in 1963 — currently #187 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kevin?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kevin?
Kevin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kevin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kevin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kevin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kevin Claire
French influence · crisp
Kevin Jane
Literary · strong
Kevin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kevin right now?
Holding steady — currently #187 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #187 | 1,919 | ▼ down 5 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #182 | 2,077 | ▲ up 1 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #183 | 2,109 | ▼ down 27 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #156 | 2,359 | ▼ down 77 · -54% births |
| 2015 | #79 | 5,173 | ▼ down 21 · -29% births |
| 2010 | #58 | 7,323 | ▼ down 25 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #33 | 10,910 | ▼ down 1 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #32 | 12,669 | ▼ down 7 · -20% births |
| 1995 | #25 | 15,852 | ▼ down 2 · -22% births |
| 1990 | #23 | 20,406 | stable · +8% births |
| 1985 | #23 | 18,812 | stable · +5% births |
| 1980 | #23 | 17,984 | ▼ down 8 · -1% births |
| 1975 | #15 | 18,084 | ▼ down 1 · -33% births |
| 1970 | #14 | 26,980 | ▼ down 1 · -4% births |
| 1965 | #13 | 28,189 | — |
The story of Kevin
Kevin entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. Its peak popularity was #11 in 1963. Over 1180K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1950 in 1915 to #187 in 2023. Kevin is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kevin in 1963:
Kevin by decade
Kevin peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 117 | |
| 1920s | 600 | |
| 1930s | 1,636 | |
| 1940s | 11,397 | |
| 1950s | 159,643 | |
| 1960s ★ | 272,575 | |
| 1970s | 213,592 | |
| 1980s | 189,959 | |
| 1990s | 165,679 | |
| 2000s | 111,323 | |
| 2010s | 51,297 | |
| 2020s | 2,367 | |
What are good nicknames for Kevin?
What names sound and feel like Kevin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kevin also consider these
How is Kevin written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Kevin
What does the name Kevin mean?
Kevin means "handsome" — 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 Kevin?
Kevin is currently ranked #187 in the United States 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 Kevin?
Kevin 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 Kevin?
Kevin is a two-syllable name pronounced K EH1 V AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kevin more of a girl or boy name?
Kevin is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.