Kevin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEV-in /ˈkɛv.ɪn/High

Meaning: Handsome, beloved — anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Caoimhín, from caomh (gentle, kind, handsome) + diminutive suffixHigh

In 30 seconds: The anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic Caoimhín meaning 'handsome and gentle,' Kevin was a U.S. top-10 name for three decades and carries the legacy of Saint Kevin of Glendalough.

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Origin HighIrish Gaelic

MeaningHandsome, beloved — anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Caoimhín, from caomh (gentle, kind, handsome) + diminutive suffix

Peak year1963

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,166,731

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Kevin is the anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Caoimhín, a diminutive of Caomh (gentle, kind, handsome, beloved). The name was spread by Saint Kevin of Glendalough (c. 498–618 AD), one of the founding saints of Irish Christianity. It entered English usage through the Irish diaspora.

Kevin was one of the most popular boys' names in the United States from the 1950s through the 1980s, remaining in the top 10 for much of that period. It declined from the 1990s onward but has remained in common use. Famous bearers include actors Kevin Bacon, Kevin Costner, and Kevin Hart.

Did you know? Saint Kevin of Glendalough (c. 498–618 AD) is one of the patron saints of Dublin and founded the monastic settlement at Glendalough in County Wicklow, which became one of the great centers of Irish Christianity. He is said to have lived to be over 120 years old.

Variations

KevenCaoimhín

Nicknames

Kev

Famous Bearers

★Saint Kevin of Glendalough (c. 498–618 AD)
Irish saint and founder of the monastic settlement at Glendalough; one of the patron saints of Dublin.
★Kevin Hart (b. 1979)
American comedian and actor, one of the highest-grossing comedians in the world.

If you like Kevin…

Patrick— Irish saint's name sharing Kevin's solid Irish-American heritage

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kevin mean?

Kevin is the anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Caoimhín, meaning 'gentle,' 'kind,' or 'handsome and beloved.'

How do you pronounce Kevin?

Kevin is pronounced KEV-in /ˈkɛv.ɪn/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Kevin a boy or girl name?

Kevin is a boys' name.

How popular is Kevin?

Kevin was a U.S. top-10 boys' name from the 1950s through the 1980s and remains in common use today.