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Calvin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAL-vin /ˈkæl.vɪn/High

Meaning: Bald, hairless — from the French surname Cauvin/Calvin, derived from Latin <em>calvus</em> (bald)High

In 30 seconds: A French surname turned given name, Calvin traces to the Latin for 'bald' but carries the towering legacy of theologian John Calvin and the dapper cool of President Calvin Coolidge.
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Origin HighLatin, French
MeaningBald, hairless — from the French surname Cauvin/Calvin, derived from Latin <em>calvus</em> (bald)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 200,150

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192418802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Calvin originated as the Latinized form of the French surname Cauvin (also spelled Chauvin), derived from the Latin calvus, meaning 'bald.' It was famously borne by the Protestant Reformer Jean Cauvin, known in Latin as Joannes Calvinus (John Calvin, 1509–1564). His profound influence on Reformed Christianity led many Protestant families to adopt Calvin as an honorific given name, particularly in Britain and North America.

Calvin has been used as a given name in the English-speaking world since the 17th century. It gained additional prestige through U.S. President Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933) and popular culture through the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes (1985–1995). The name projects quiet confidence and intellectual depth. It re-entered the U.S. top 100 boys' names in the 2010s.

Did you know? John Calvin (1509–1564), the French-Swiss Protestant Reformer, was born Jean Cauvin. The Latinized form of his surname — Calvinus — became the given name Calvin, honoring his religious influence for centuries.

Variations

Kalvin

Nicknames

Cal

Famous Bearers

  • ★John Calvin (1509–1564)
    French-Swiss Protestant Reformer whose Latinized surname became a widely used given name.
  • ★Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933)
    30th President of the United States.
  • ★Calvin Klein (b. 1942)
    American fashion designer and founder of the Calvin Klein brand.

If you like Calvin…

Wyatt— two-syllable surname-name with the same vintage American confidence
Graham— sophisticated surname-name sharing Calvin's understated intellectual feel
Hudson— strong two-syllable surname-name popular with similar audiences
Beckett— literary surname-name with the same refined, slightly retro appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Calvin mean?

Calvin comes from the French surname Cauvin, derived from Latin <em>calvus</em> meaning 'bald' or 'hairless.'

How do you pronounce Calvin?

Calvin is pronounced KAL-vin /ˈkæl.vɪn/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Calvin a boy or girl name?

Calvin is a boys' name.

How popular is Calvin?

Calvin re-entered the U.S. top 100 boys' names in the 2010s and continues to trend upward.