Declining since 2018, #1,564 for boys today.
Popularity of Kalvin since 1933
Babies named Kalvin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 10 |
| 1940s | 41 |
| 1950s | 275 |
| 1960s | 525 |
| 1970s | 437 |
| 1980s | 773 |
| 1990s | 1,188 |
| 2000s | 1,321 |
| 2010s | 1,469 |
| 2020s | 687 |
Meaning & origin
Kalvin is a variant spelling of Calvin that has seen modest but consistent use in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1933. The name reached its peak popularity in 2017, after which its usage began a gradual decline through the late 2010s and into the 2020s. Despite the downward trend, Kalvin remains a recognizable alternative to its more common counterpart. In 2025, Kalvin ranked 1564 with approximately 1 in 15670 newborns receiving the name, placing it solidly within the ranks of uncommon but familiar choices. The spelling has seen its strongest adoption in states like Illinois, Arizona, and California, suggesting a somewhat regional appeal. While never breaking into the top 1000 during its peak years in the 2010s, Kalvin maintains a steady presence for parents seeking a modern twist on a classic name.
Kalvin is a variant spelling of Calvin, a name derived from the French surname Cauvin. The surname originated as a diminutive of 'chauve' (bald), hence 'little bald one'. Calvin gained prominence as a given name through the Protestant reformer John Calvin and entered English usage in the 19th century.
Where Kalvin 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.
“Kalvin” around the world
Where Kalvin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kal, Kally
Variants: Calvin
Sibling names for Kalvin
Names that share Kalvin's style, for a brother or sister.
