Holding steady.
Popularity of Carvel since 1912
Babies named Carvel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 58 |
| 1920s | 95 |
| 1930s | 97 |
| 1940s | 103 |
| 1950s | 61 |
| 1960s | 63 |
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 17 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Carvel is a rare name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1912, but never entered the top 1,000 name rankings. Its highest point came in 1929, when it saw modest use, and it has remained consistently uncommon ever since, with a stable trajectory across decades. The name is often considered a variant of the Scottish surname Carvell, which may have Gaelic origins. With no state-level popularity and a one-in-N ratio that cannot be calculated due to its scarcity, Carvel is an obscure choice that appeals to those seeking a distinctive name with a vintage feel. Its peaked use in the late 1920s aligns with broader naming trends of that era, making it a subtle period piece.
The name Carvel is of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of the Scottish surname Carvell, which is derived from a place name meaning 'fortress' or 'dwelling' in Gaelic. Alternatively, it could be an altered form of the surname Carver, which refers to a woodcarver. Carvel has seen rare use as a given name, primarily in the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Car, Carv
Variants: Carvell
Sibling names for Carvel
Names that share Carvel's style, for a brother or sister.
