Declining since 2002, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Keven since 1930
Babies named Keven per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 39 |
| 1950s | 809 |
| 1960s | 1,443 |
| 1970s | 1,174 |
| 1980s | 950 |
| 1990s | 1,577 |
| 2000s | 1,925 |
| 2010s | 714 |
| 2020s | 110 |
Meaning & origin
Keven is a variant spelling of Kevin, an Irish name with deep historical roots. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1930 and peaked in 2003, ranking 5,861 nationally in 2025, with about 1 in 113,872 newborns receiving the name. Since 2002, its usage has been declining, reflecting the broader trend away from the more common Kevin. Despite its downturn, Keven retains a straightforward pronunciation and familiar sound, making it a subtle alternative to the traditional spelling.
Keven is a spelling variant of Kevin, the anglicized form of the Irish name Caoimhín, derived from the Old Irish 'caím' meaning 'handsome, beloved' and 'gein' meaning 'birth.' The name was borne by Saint Kevin (Caoimhín), a 6th-century Irish hermit and founder of Glendalough monastery. It gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, with Keven emerging as a less common alternative spelling.
Where Keven 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: Kev, Kevvy
Sibling names for Keven
Names that share Keven's style, for a brother or sister.
