Declining since 2006, #1,644 for boys today.
Popularity of Elvin since 1880
Babies named Elvin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1927, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elvin's real moment was 1915.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 146 |
| 1890s | 190 |
| 1900s | 326 |
| 1910s | 2,070 |
| 1920s | 3,364 |
| 1930s | 2,551 |
| 1940s | 1,994 |
| 1950s | 1,830 |
| 1960s | 1,444 |
| 1970s | 1,197 |
| 1980s | 1,096 |
| 1990s | 1,155 |
| 2000s | 1,651 |
| 2010s | 1,278 |
| 2020s | 640 |
Meaning & origin
Elvin is a classic English name with roots in Anglo-Saxon England, derived from Ælfwine meaning 'elf friend'. It has been recorded on U.S. birth certificates since 1880, ranking 1,644 in 2025. Its peak popularity came in 1915, when it was more widely used. Over the past century, the name has declined steadily, especially since 2006. It was most common in Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. While not a top choice today, Elvin retains a vintage charm and a straightforward pronunciation.
Elvin is derived from the Old English name Ælfwine, composed of the elements ælf 'elf' and wine 'friend'. It was a common name in Anglo-Saxon England before declining after the Norman Conquest. The name saw a revival in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, and has been consistently used since the 1880s.
Where Elvin 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.
“Elvin” around the world
Where Elvin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: El, Vinny
Sibling names for Elvin
Names that share Elvin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Evelyn, Edith, Esther, Iris, Lillian, Melva, Melvina, Elvena, Erva, Levada, Luvina, Melvia, Shelvia, Eloyce, Elverna, Lavaun, Lavita, Levenia, Vonceil, Alveda, Elveta, Ivalene, Jurline, Marvelene, Marvena, Melvinia, Vanice
Brothers: Edwin, Ervin, Arvin, Elbert, Eldon, Melvin, Delvin, Lavon, Alvino, Melvyn, Orlin, Selvin, Belvin, Curvin, Earvin, Marven, Nelvin, Olvin, Orvin, Clevon, Melvern, Orlyn, Rabon, Almin, Alvon, Cleaven, Delvis, Lenville, Levaughn, Levorn
