A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Calvin since 1880
Babies named Calvin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,236 |
| 1890s | 1,102 |
| 1900s | 1,291 |
| 1910s | 5,713 |
| 1920s | 24,785 |
| 1930s | 14,177 |
| 1940s | 19,242 |
| 1950s | 30,555 |
| 1960s | 21,889 |
| 1970s | 13,809 |
| 1980s | 15,785 |
| 1990s | 16,865 |
| 2000s | 16,111 |
| 2010s | 23,085 |
| 2020s | 15,419 |
Meaning & origin
Calvin has a long history as a given name, first recorded in U.S. data in 1880. Its peak came in 1924, when it was especially common in states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. After decades of decline, Calvin has been rising again since 2008, reflecting a broader trend toward vintage names. The name's strong association with the theologian John Calvin gives it a serious, intellectual character, while its short, friendly form "Cal" keeps it approachable. Today, Calvin is a solid choice for parents seeking a classic name with a distinguished past that feels both familiar and fresh.
Derived from the French surname Cauvin, a diminutive of the Latin Calvus, meaning "bald." The name became widely known through the 16th-century French theologian John Calvin, whose influence spread the name across Europe and later to the English-speaking world. By the 19th century, Calvin was adopted as a given name in the United States, often favored by Protestant families looking for a name with a strong religious heritage.
Where Calvin 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.
“Calvin” around the world
Where Calvin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
22
babies in 2025
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cal, Vinny, Al
Variants: Calvyn
Sibling names for Calvin
Names that share Calvin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Audrey, Clara, Eleanor, Nora, Vivian, Bonnie, Elsie, Kenya, Malinda, Marilyn, Lorinda, Melvina, Roslyn, Serene, Lovina, Reginia, Roslynn, Adalind, Ellerie, Jerelyn, Luvina, Malissie, Marillyn, Melodye, Melvia, Noralee, Ovella, Rosalin, Rozalyn, Selinda, Shelva, Shelvia, Souline, Valora, Bevelyn, Beverlyn, Darolyn, Emmagene, Jeraline, Lanore, Levita, Lucindy, Lyvonne, Marlaine, Merelyn, Nadalie, Sylena, Shirline, Adaleen, Arlina, Calvina, Catha, Charlina, Corretta, Imajean, Joycelin, Marilyne, Marvelyn, Melvinia, Nevelyn, Noralyn
Brothers: Arthur, Everett, Henry, Owen, Winston, Alvin, Clinton, Luther, Melvin, Russell, Alden, Delvin, Jarvis, Judson, Lowell, Orrin, Quintin, Stanford, Truman, Wendell, Woodrow, Aldon, Barnett, Corin, Darvin, Landis, Rustin, Selvin, Talmage, Aldean, Alson, Alvan, Alven, Avel, Belvin, Colvin, Curvin, Darvis, Earvin, Harding, Marven, Sabin, Sherod, Tarvis, Tevis, Alanson, Barth, Clayburn, Clevon, Derril, Allin, Calbert, Clavin, Cleaven, Coolidge, Etheridge, Lavin, Marvon, Mavin, Rolen, Sharvin, Talvin, Wallen
Names like Calvin
Names whose popularity has moved with Calvin's over the last 50 years.
