NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Kevin

What is the origin of the name Kevin?

The first name "Kevin" is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Caoimhín," which is believed to come from the Old Irish word "coem," meaning "kind" or "gentle," and "gein," meaning "birth." Hence, Kevin can be interpreted to mean "handsome birth" or "gentle birth." Kevin became popular as a given name in Ireland due to the influence of Saint Caoimhín (Saint Kevin), an important figure in Irish Christianity who lived in the 6th century. The name Kevin gained international popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Click here and access the full origin of your first name

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the first name Kevin!

Your first name is more than just a word. It’s a unique story, a reflection of your roots and identity. Explore its origin and offer an invaluable gift to your family and friends.

🎁 Special Christmas Offer 🎁

Explore the origin of the name Kevin for only 1.95 $ (instead of 3.95 $)
+ Receive your Origin Certificate for Free !

Yes, I want to discover the meaning of the first name Kevin

All information about your first name: origin, meaning, and more
Full access for 365 days
Unlimited search
Complete PDF report included
High-quality Origin Certificate
No ads

Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Yes, I want to discover the meaning of the first name Kevin

What our users say

"Thanks to NomOrigine, I discovered that my ancestors migrated from Spain to Latin America. An incredible story that brought my family closer together!"
- Julien L., Lyon

"The certificate was an amazing surprise for my family. We still talk about it during meals!"
- Marie D., Paris

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Question: Can I search for other last names?
Answer: Yes, depending on the plan you choose, you can search for multiple last names without restrictions. Perfect for exploring both sides of your family!

Question: What payment methods do you accept?
Answer: We accept major credit/debit cards as well as payments via Google Pay and Apple Pay for a smooth and secure experience.

Question: Can I request a refund if I’m not satisfied?
Answer: Yes, you have a 15-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, contact our customer service for a full refund.

Learn more about the origin of the name Kevin

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Kevin

The name Kevin derives from the Irish name Caoimhín, which means "handsome" or "kind" in Gaelic. It has its roots in the Celtic heritage and carries a long history in Ireland. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly in the United States and Canada, due to the influx of Irish immigrants. It became widely known and appreciated through the influence of Saint Caoimhín, an influential Irish saint from the 6th century who founded a monastery in County Wicklow, Ireland. The name Kevin became increasingly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, partly attributed to the fame of actor Kevin McCarthy and the notable success of the 1967 film "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" which starred Sidney Poitier as character Dr. John Prentice, commonly called John or Kev. Today, Kevin remains a popular and timeless name, symbolizing kindness and attractiveness.

Character traits associated with the name Kevin

Kevin is commonly associated with a range of character traits that reflect his vibrant personality. He is often described as charismatic, displaying a natural ability to captivate others with his charm and warmth. Kevin is a natural-born leader, demonstrating confidence and assertiveness in various situations. He is known for his reliability, always fulfilling his commitments and being a dependable friend. Kevin possesses a strong sense of determination and resilience, facing challenges head-on with unwavering resolve. He is creative and imaginative, often thinking outside the box to find innovative solutions to problems. Kevin's strong work ethic and perseverance contribute to his success in both his personal and professional pursuits. He is also known for his sense of humor, always ready to lighten the mood and bring joy to those around him. Kevin's kind-hearted nature, coupled with his loyalty and sincerity, makes him a trusted confidant and a true friend.

Popularity of the name Kevin

Kevin is a first name that has enjoyed significant popularity over the years. Originating from the Irish name Caoimhín, which means "handsome" or "gentle birth," Kevin gained prominence in the English-speaking world and achieved immense popularity during the mid-20th century. It soared in popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, becoming one of the most common male names during that time. The name Kevin continued to be favored throughout the 1980s and 1990s, gradually tapering off in the early 2000s. Despite its decline since then, it remains a recognizable and well-liked choice for parents globally. Its broad appeal can be attributed to its simplicity, easy pronunciation, and versatility. Today, Kevin continues to hold a place in the hearts of many, representing a generation of individuals who have grown into adulthood while carrying the name and its associated characteristics of charm and strength.

Famous people with the name Kevin

Kevin Costner is an acclaimed American actor, director, and producer, renowned for his roles in films like "Dances with Wolves" and "Field of Dreams". Kevin Spacey, another notable figure, is an American actor and producer, best known for his performances in "American Beauty" and "The Usual Suspects". Kevin Hart, a comedian, actor, and producer, has gained immense popularity for his stand-up comedy specials and roles in movies like "Ride Along" and "Central Intelligence". Kevin Durant, a professional basketball player, is widely regarded as one of the greatest talents in the sport, having won numerous accolades and championships. Additionally, Kevin Bacon, an accomplished actor and musician, is recognized for his notable performances in films like "Footloose" and "Apollo 13". These charismatic individuals have all left a lasting impact on their respective fields, further enhancing the prominence of the name Kevin.

Variations of the name Kevin

Kevin is a name that has several popular variations across different cultures and languages. In Spanish-speaking countries, the name Kevin is often spelled as Kévin or Kevyn. In Irish culture, the name Kevin is derived from Caoimhín, which means "handsome" or "kind-hearted." This variant is pronounced as KEE-vin. In Scotland, the Gaelic form of Kevin is Caoimhghin, pronounced as KEE-ven, which carries the same meaning. In other European countries like Germany and Sweden, the name is sometimes spelled as Kevyn or Kewin. Another variation of the name that gained popularity in recent years is Keven, which is often pronounced as KEE-vun. It's worth mentioning that these alternative spellings may also be used by individuals who simply prefer a unique twist for their child's name. Regardless of the variation, Kevin remains a widely recognized and cherished name across diverse communities.

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Most searched names

Noorej (First name)

forenames > noorej

The name Noorej does not have a widely recognized origin in English. It may be a rare or unique name with unknown etymology.

Mohit karanwal (First name)

forenames > mohit-karanwal

The first name "Mohit" is of Indian origin and means "charmed" or "enchanting" in Hindi. "Karanwal" is also of Indian origin and is a surname commonly found in the state of Punjab.

Pavitar singh (First name)

forenames > pavitar-singh

The origin of the name "Pavitar Singh" is Punjabi. "Pavitar" means pure or holy in Punjabi, and "Singh" is a common surname in Sikh culture.

Rajnandani sharma (First name)

forenames > rajnandani-sharma

The name Rajnandani Sharma is of Indian origin. The name "Rajnandani" is derived from Sanskrit, with "Raj" meaning "king" and "nandani" meaning "daughter." Sharma is a common surname in India, traditionally associated with the Brahmin caste.

Aajtak (First name)

forenames > aajtak

The origin of the first name "aajtak" is Hindi.

Malti rajput (First name)

forenames > malti-rajput

The origin of the first name "Malti" is Hindi and Sanskrit. "Rajput" is a surname commonly associated with individuals from the Indian subcontinent who belong to the Kshatriya varna (warrior class).

M atiq (First name)

forenames > m-atiq

The name "Atiq" originates from Arabic and means "independent" or "pure."

Kunla labga (First name)

forenames > kunla-labga

The first name "Kunla Labga" does not have a well-known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a unique or uncommon name with a specific cultural or personal significance to the individual who bears it.

Pandit rahul (First name)

forenames > pandit-rahul

The origin of the name Pandit Rahul is from India. "Pandit" is a title used in India to show respect for someone who is highly educated or knowledgeable, particularly in the field of religion or academics. "Rahul" is a Sanskrit name meaning "conqueror of all m...

Rockykushawah (First name)

forenames > rockykushawah

The first name Rockykushawah does not have a known origin in English. It appears to be a unique or uncommon name that does not have a widely recognized etymology.