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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 (2024)#1080 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births201 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1961
Total births (all-time)≈ 51,334

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196119122024

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

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

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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

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.