Nevin

♂ Boy

Pronounced NEV-in /ˈnɛv.ɪn/High

Meaning: Anglicized form of Gaelic Naomhín, 'little saint', via surnames like MacNevinMedium

In 30 seconds: A pocket-sized halo: Nevin descends from Gaelic for 'little saint' — monastery-bred, surname-carried, and quietly waiting while cousin Evan gets the attention.

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Origin MediumIrish, Scottish

MeaningAnglicized form of Gaelic Naomhín, 'little saint', via surnames like MacNevin

U.S. rank (2024)#3359 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births35 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,342

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Nevin anglicizes Gaelic Naomhín — naomh, 'saint, holy', plus a diminutive — reaching English through Irish and Scottish surnames like MacNevin and McNiven; some lines trace instead to Cnáimhín, a 'bone' nickname, keeping etymologists honest. Pittsburgh-born painter-grandfather names and golfer Larry Nelson-era sport Nevins dot American records.

As a first name it has stayed low and steady for a century — never trendy, never gone. Rare today, it offers Evan-Devin sound with hagiography underneath.

Did you know? Gaelic built names from 'saint' the way English builds them from 'grace' — Naomhín, Nevin's source, is literally a diminutive holiness.

Overall data confidence 72%

Dictionary of American Family Names — Nevin — surname origins, debated

Variations

NivenNevanNevins

Nicknames

Nev

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nevin…

Devin— the rhyming Irish-flavored staple

Evan— the gentle Celtic classic beside it

Kevin— the Irish giant one consonant away

Kelvin— a fellow Scottish choice

Torin— echoes that soft -in sound

Browse the whole category: All Irish names → · All Scottish names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Nevin mean?

Nevin comes from Gaelic Naomhín, 'little saint', via Irish and Scottish surnames; a minority derivation points to a 'bone' nickname.

How do you pronounce Nevin?

It's said NEV-in /ˈnɛv.ɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Nevin a boy or girl name?

Nevin is a boy's name.

How popular is Nevin?

Nevin is a rare name in the U.S.