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Home › Baby Names Directory › Irwin

Irwin

♂ Boy

Pronounced UR-win /ˈɜr.wɪn/High

Meaning: From Old English Eoforwine, 'a friend of the boar', or Erwine, 'a friend of the sea/army'; the root is debatedLow

In 30 seconds: A friend of the boar: Irwin means 'a friend of the boar' (and 'a friend of the sea'). Vintage, crisp, and warm.
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Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningFrom Old English Eoforwine, 'a friend of the boar', or Erwine, 'a friend of the sea/army'; the root is debated
U.S. rank (2025)#6600 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births13 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1925
Total births (all-time)≈ 15,947

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192518802025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Irwin comes from Old English — variously Eoforwine, 'a friend of the boar' (the boar a symbol of courage), or Erwine, 'a friend of the sea or army' (the roots are debated, which we note). An old English given name and surname, popular in the early 20th century. A vintage, crisp name (nickname Win).

It registers thinly today. Rare, a-friend-of-the-boar at the (likely) root, and vintage.

Did you know? Irwin comes from Old English, 'a friend of the boar' (Eoforwine) or 'a friend of the sea/army' (Erwine) — a vintage name (the economist Irwin; the naturalist's surname; the root is debated, which we note).
Overall data confidence 62%
Behind the Name — Irwin — root debated

Variations

IrvinIrvingErwin

Nicknames

Win

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Irwin…

Irvin— a fellow spelling
Irving— a kin Irv- boys' name
Erwin— the German form
Edwin— a sound-neighbor -win boys' name

Explore names like Irwin

By themeuncertainenglishvintage
By meaningWarriorSea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Irwin mean?

Irwin is Old English, 'a friend of the boar' or 'a friend of the sea'; the root is debated.

How do you pronounce Irwin?

It's said UR-win /ˈɜr.wɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Irwin a boy or girl name?

Irwin is a boy's name.

How popular is Irwin?

Irwin is a rare name in the U.S. today.

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