MallowbyNames

Carvin

KAR-vin · Little friend or beloved, from Welsh 'caru' (to love) with the diminutive suffix -in.

Peak popularity
1937
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Carvin since 1916

Babies named Carvin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Carvin's real moment was 1937.

61117192019602000Most births 1957Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s22
1920s68
1930s71
1940s88
1950s122
1960s97
1970s78
1980s74
1990s46
2000s40
2010s24
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Carvin is a rare Welsh name that saw its peak popularity in the United States in 1937, yet it has never cracked the top 1000. Its meaning, 'little friend' or 'beloved,' stems from the Welsh verb 'caru' (to love), with the affectionate diminutive suffix -in. The name's first recorded year in U.S. data is 1916, and its trajectory has remained stable over decades, never experiencing a significant surge or decline. Though its top states are empty in the data, Carvin likely saw scattered use among families with Welsh heritage. Today, it remains an uncommon choice, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with a clear Welsh origin and gentle meaning. Its similarity to more frequent names like Kevin or Marvin may give it a familiar sound while retaining its unique character.

Carvin is a Welsh diminutive of Caradog, derived from the Welsh root 'caru' meaning 'to love' or 'dear one.' The suffix -in creates a pet form, giving the sense of 'little beloved' or 'dear friend.' Historically, the name appears in Welsh genealogies but has remained uncommon, with its highest recorded usage in the 1930s in the United States.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Carvan, Carwen

Sibling names for Carvin

Names that share Carvin's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Bronwen, Gwen, Megan, Rhian, Tegan

Brothers: Dylan, Evan, Gareth, Owen, Rhys

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Carvin, our favorite little boy.

C is for Carvin…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Carvin's letter becomes Carvin's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Carvin's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Carvin mean?
Carvin is a Welsh name meaning 'little friend' or 'beloved,' derived from the root 'caru' (to love) with a diminutive suffix.
How popular is the name Carvin?
Carvin has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its peak was in 1937, and it remains rare today. As of 2025, the name's popularity is stable but very low.
Is Carvin a boy or girl name?
Carvin is traditionally a masculine name, used almost exclusively for boys.