Declining since 1988, #838 for boys today.
Popularity of Alvin since 1880
Babies named Alvin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,256 |
| 1890s | 1,667 |
| 1900s | 2,484 |
| 1910s | 15,499 |
| 1920s | 26,872 |
| 1930s | 21,484 |
| 1940s | 20,719 |
| 1950s | 23,087 |
| 1960s | 14,509 |
| 1970s | 8,677 |
| 1980s | 7,474 |
| 1990s | 5,908 |
| 2000s | 5,240 |
| 2010s | 4,535 |
| 2020s | 2,003 |
Meaning & origin
Alvin is a name of Old English origin, rooted in the elements ælf (elf) and wine (friend) or eald (old) and wine, meaning 'elf friend' or 'noble friend.' After falling from favor following its peak in 1927, Alvin has been on a steady decline since 1988, and in 2025 it ranked 838th, with a frequency of 1 in 5,810 boys. The name was most popular in states like Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Iowa, reflecting a historic Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern resonance. Though it no longer tops the charts, Alvin retains a classic, sturdy feel, and its notable bearers include decorated war hero Alvin York and groundbreaking choreographer Alvin Ailey.
Alvin derives from Old English names Ælfwine (elf friend) and Ealdwine (old friend), which merged into the medieval form Alwin. It was revived in the 19th century and gained popularity in the United States through figures like Alvin York, a decorated World War I soldier, and Alvin Ailey, the modern dance pioneer.
Where Alvin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alvin” around the world
Where Alvin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Vinny
Sibling names for Alvin
Names that share Alvin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Evelyn, Lillian, Mabel, Edith, Irene, Alvina, Arline, Elva, Leatrice, Melvina, Alvera, Alverta, Atha, Awilda, Carline, Elvera, Elvina, Glendora, Lovina, Valda, Aldine, Aleda, Aleene, Alonda, Alvenia, Alverda, Alverna, Alvia, Angla, Elmina, Everlena, Helon, Ladora, Ledora, Luvina, Marvine, Melvia, Mossie, Odessie, Olinda, Selinda, Valeda, Vara, Almena, Almina, Alphia, Arlita, Arminta, Berdina, Eldonna, Elinda, Elverna, Flordia, Gerlene, Louvina, Marvina, Melvena, Oleva, Almeter, Avonne, Albirda, Alleta, Alnita, Alveda, Alveria, Alveta, Alvine, Alzina, Arcenia, Arleatha, Arwilda, Athelene, Calvina, Charlestine, Chestina, Earnstine, Eldena, Eldine, Elnita, Elverda, Elverta, Elveta, Elzada, Elzena, Euline, Euretha, Glorine, Lenoria, Lodie, Luverna, Marvena, Melvinia, Orvetta, Wilmarie, Wilna
Brothers: Calvin, Walter, Harold, Edwin, Clarence, Wilbert, Alford, Elbert, Alvino, Arland, Armond, Cleophus, Darvin, Elmore, Elson, Hazen, Arville, Belvin, Burney, Ivin, Nelvin, Norvin, Vertis, Alvy, Arvell, Clevon, Dorwin, Elkin, Elver, Elvert, Marwin, Seldon, Elmond, Aldwin, Alver, Audwin, Holbert, Valgene
Names like Alvin
Names whose popularity has moved with Alvin's over the last 50 years.
