Declining since 2021, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Alwyn since 1913
Babies named Alwyn per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2021, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Alwyn's real moment was 1918.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 92 |
| 1920s | 118 |
| 1930s | 100 |
| 1940s | 68 |
| 1950s | 87 |
| 1960s | 23 |
| 1970s | 24 |
| 1980s | 32 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 50 |
| 2010s | 32 |
| 2020s | 98 |
Meaning & origin
Alwyn is a name that combines Old English and Welsh origins, meaning 'elf friend' or 'fair-browed.' First recorded in the U.S. in 1913, it peaked in popularity in 1918, during a time when similar vintage names were common. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, especially from a peak in 2021, and it remains a rare choice. In 2025, the name ranked 6,446th, with only about 1 in every 131,390 births. Despite its rarity, Alwyn has a gentle, literary quality that appeals to parents seeking an uncommon yet historically grounded name.
Alwyn is a variant of Alvin, derived from the Old English elements "ælf" (elf) and "wine" (friend), meaning "elf friend." In Welsh, it is related to "Aelwen," meaning "fair-browed" or "white brow." The name has been used in England and Wales since the medieval period and saw a peak in the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Wyn
Sibling names for Alwyn
Names that share Alwyn's style, for a brother or sister.
