Kelvin
Kelvin: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɛlvɪn/
Meaning and origin of Kelvin
Root meaning: “narrow”
- A male given name transferred from the surname, of rather rare usage.
Etymology
Of Celtic/Scottish Gaelic origin, possibly from caol (“narrow”) or coille (“wooded”) + abhainn (“river”). The surname is derived from the river. The surname was also possibly influenced by Calvert (Middle English calfhirde).
How popular is Kelvin?
Since 1880, 304 girls and 51,551 boys in the U.S. have been named Kelvin (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4038 in 1960. Its highest rank for boys was #207 in 1965. In 2025, 214 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Kelvin
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Kelvin
Sister and brother names that share Kelvin's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Kelvin FAQ
What does the name Kelvin mean?
Kelvin traces back to a root meaning "narrow". A male given name transferred from the surname, of rather rare usage. Of Celtic/Scottish Gaelic origin, possibly from caol (“narrow”) or coille (“wooded”) + abhainn (“river”). The surname is derived from the river. The surname was also possibly influenced by Calvert (Middle English calfhirde).
What is the origin of the name Kelvin?
Kelvin is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Kelvin?
Since 1880, 304 girls and 51,551 boys in the U.S. have been named Kelvin (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4038 in 1960. Its highest rank for boys was #207 in 1965. In 2025, 214 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Kelvin a boy or girl name?
Kelvin is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 304 girls and 51,551 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.