Devin

♂ Boy

Pronounced DEV-in /ˈdɛv.ɪn/High

Meaning: From Irish Gaelic Damhán (meaning 'little stag' or 'fawn') or Daimhín, alternatively from the Irish surname Ó Damháin; also associated with Old French devin meaning 'divine' or 'seer'; an Anglicised form used as both a surname and given nameMedium

In 30 seconds: Devin is a sprightly Irish name meaning 'little fawn' or 'divine one.' Two syllables, easy to wear, and comfortably unisex — though charted here for boys, it crosses gender lines naturally.

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Origin MediumIrish Gaelic, French

MeaningFrom Irish Gaelic Damhán (meaning 'little stag' or 'fawn') or Daimhín, alternatively from the Irish surname Ó Damháin; also associated with Old French devin meaning 'divine' or 'seer'; an Anglicised form used as both a surname and given name

U.S. rank (2025)#548 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births548 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 156,233

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Devin is an Anglicisation of Irish Gaelic Daimhín or related forms, with a root possibly meaning 'little stag,' 'fawn,' or 'poet-seer.' It may also draw on the Old Irish surname Ó Damháin. Some sources also connect it to Old French devin (divine, seer), reflecting the dual Celtic-Norman heritage of many Irish names. Its poetic and natural imagery are both fitting for the name's gentle sound.

Devin rose strongly in the United States from the 1970s through the 1990s, reaching the top 100 for boys and used increasingly for girls as well. It has declined from its peak but remains in the top 300. Its unisex usage is a genuine feature — both Devon and Devin chart for boys and girls — and it carries a fresh, outdoorsy feel that keeps it attractive.

Did you know? In medieval Irish tradition, the fili — the poet-seer class — held a social rank equivalent to warriors and chieftains, and names meaning 'poet' or 'bard' carried enormous prestige in Celtic culture.

Overall data confidence 83%

Behind the Name — Devin — etymology and Irish originU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DevonDevynDeven

Nicknames

Dev

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Devin…

Kevin— shares the Irish Celtic origin and the same two-syllable breezy friendliness

Gavin— Welsh/Scottish Celtic two-syllable name in the same light, modern register

Collin— Irish-origin two-syllable name with the same easy-going, classic American feel

Trevor— Welsh two-syllable Celtic surname-name with the same clean, unforced appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Devin mean?

Devin comes from Irish Gaelic Daimhín, possibly meaning 'little stag' or 'fawn,' and may also relate to Old French devin (divine, seer). It carries themes of nature and poetry.

How do you pronounce Devin?

It is said DEV-in — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Devin a boy or girl name?

Devin is used for both boys and girls in the United States, making it genuinely unisex. It is slightly more common for boys.

How popular is Devin?

Devin peaked in the U.S. top 100 in the 1990s and now ranks in the top 300 for boys, remaining a familiar and friendly choice.