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Kelvin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEL-vin /ˈkɛl.vɪn/High

Meaning: From the River Kelvin in Glasgow, Scotland; of Gaelic origin, possibly from caol abhainn (narrow river)Medium

In 30 seconds: A Scottish place name from the River Kelvin in Glasgow, given global scientific significance as the unit of absolute temperature named for Lord Kelvin. As a given name it combines natural beauty with scientific prestige.

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Origin MediumScottish

MeaningFrom the River Kelvin in Glasgow, Scotland; of Gaelic origin, possibly from caol abhainn (narrow river)

U.S. rank (2025)#1036 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births214 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1961

Total births (all-time)≈ 51,548

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Kelvin comes from the River Kelvin in Glasgow, Scotland. The river name is of Scottish Gaelic origin, possibly meaning 'narrow river.' The name gained scientific prestige when physicist William Thomson adopted it as his lordship title.

Kelvin has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the mid-20th century. It ranked #1080 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Lord Kelvin (William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, 1824–1907) was one of the 19th century's greatest physicists, who established the absolute temperature scale. His name Kelvin is now permanently embedded in science — every physicist uses it daily.

Overall data confidence 83%

Behind the Name — Kelvin — Scottish etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Kevin

Nicknames

Kel

Famous Bearers

★Kelvin Gastelum (1991-)
American UFC mixed martial artist
★Kelvin Sampson
American college basketball head coach at Houston
★Kelvin Benjamin (1991-)
American former NFL wide receiver

If you like Kelvin…

Kevin— Irish Kel- name sharing the first syllable and Celtic heritage

Kellan— two-syllable Kel- opening name in the same Celtic tradition

Kellen— two-syllable Kel- opening name with the same sound

Callum— Scottish Gaelic name with the same quiet Celtic character

Gavin— Welsh/Scottish name with the same two-syllable Celtic feel

Explore names like Kelvin

By themetwo-syllable place-name scottish gaelic scientific

By meaningSea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kelvin mean?

Kelvin comes from the River Kelvin in Glasgow, Scotland, of Gaelic origin (possibly 'narrow river'). Lord Kelvin gave it scientific prestige as the unit of absolute temperature.

How do you pronounce Kelvin?

It's said KEL-vin — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kelvin a boy or girl name?

Kelvin is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Kelvin?

Kelvin ranked #1080 for U.S. boys in 2024.