A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Irwin since 1880
Babies named Irwin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 223 |
| 1890s | 258 |
| 1900s | 337 |
| 1910s | 1,902 |
| 1920s | 4,433 |
| 1930s | 3,602 |
| 1940s | 1,851 |
| 1950s | 1,139 |
| 1960s | 575 |
| 1970s | 264 |
| 1980s | 309 |
| 1990s | 420 |
| 2000s | 364 |
| 2010s | 185 |
| 2020s | 84 |
Meaning & origin
Irwin is a name with a strong historical presence, having been recorded in the U.S. since 1880. It reached its peak popularity in 1925, ranking among the top names of that era. After decades of decline, it has been rising in use since 2022, suggesting a mild revival. In 2025, Irwin ranked 6,446, with approximately 1 in every 131,390 newborns receiving the name. Its trajectory indicates a renewed interest, possibly fueled by a taste for vintage names from the 1920s. While not associated with any particular state, Irwin remains a distinctive choice that blends old-world charm with a straightforward sound.
Irwin is derived from Old English elements, likely either 'eofor' (boar) combined with 'wine' (friend) meaning 'boar friend', or 'īr' (sea) with 'wine' giving 'sea friend'. The name was historically used as a surname before transitioning to a given name, particularly in Scotland and northern England.
Where Irwin 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ernie, Win, Irv
Sibling names for Irwin
Names that share Irwin's style, for a brother or sister.
