The name Calvin is a boy's name of Latin origin meaning "bald, hairless". Calvin is ranked #145 on our popularity charts and is often added to lists like Old Man Names and discussed in our forums with posts like "Boys Drop 2 Add 1 pick a favor that can't be dropped".
From the experts:
Calvin is a slightly quirky but cozy name that has a fashion edge thanks to Calvin Klein. It has been steadily on the popularity list since records were kept, never lower than Number 250, peaking in the 1920s, the era of the Calvin (originally John Calvin ) Coolidge presidency.
The name came into use as a first name in honor of John Calvin--born Jehan Cauvin-- the seventeenth century French Protestant reformer whose strict doctrines became the basis of Calvinism, and the name was taken up as a tribute to him.
Other associations include the above-mentioned Calvin Klein (and his famous 'Calvins' ads), humorous writer Calvin Trillin, the comic strip "Calvin & Hobbes" --and it's also the birth name of Snoop Dog. Calvin O'Keefe is one of the main characters in Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time.
Lists containing Calvin:
- Two-Syllable Baby Names
- Yupster Baby Names for Boys
- Names to Substitute for Henry
- Vintage Boy Names
- Vintage Baby Names
- Old Man Names
- Cool Vintage Baby Names
- College Baby Names
- Old-Fashioned Baby Names
- July Baby Names
- September Baby Names
- Country Boy Baby Names
Comments
mill1020 Says:
Ali Barron Says:
This is my #1. If we are having a boy, I'm 99% sure this will be his name. I love it. It's quirky and cute. Traditional and modern, popular but not overused. And the nn Cal... or CJ if we use a J mn
Skittlewiddles Says:
Calvin and Hobbes with Dennis the Menace! I don't know if that was intended but it fits.
scblovesnames Says:
That's so sweet. My 14 month old is Calvin Andrew.
scblovesnames Says:
And used it as the first name instead. He's 14 months old and a constant companion to his 3 year old brother.
Natalie Gehrke Says:
We named our now 5 month old son calvin dennis, it totally suits his little personality.
paulapuddephatt Says:
I love the name. Not the best meaning, but still love it.
Bobcat108 Says:
While Calvin O'Keefe is *a* main character in the A Wrinkle in Time series, I don't think he's *the* main character. That would be Meg Murry.
headintheclouds Says:
I always think of a Calvin as a very cool cat-- like he'd be the guy with impeccable taste who is always well-dressed, whose opinions you'd seek out on the newest restaurants in town, or what music he's listening to. Quirky but cozy is so right since there's that element of artsy hipsterism to Calvin, but it's also very American boy next door and lived-in. The name's meaning is not the best though -.- But the nickname Cal, and the sound of the whole name, is just breezy and awesome! All in all Calvin's still a great name.
CaribbeanQueen Says:
Why?
Michaela Says:
This name is so appealing!
Starelli Says:
Sure, if you're a Baptist :)
Skittlewiddles Says:
Instantly think of the Calvin and Hobbes and the Calvin cycle from biology. A Devilishly cute yet smart trouble maker? sounds like the perfect boy's name to me.
Zuzana Says:
I'venever considered Calvin before, but themore I say it, the better it sounds. I love Cal
scblovesnames Says:
I love this name. It's a name on my husbands side and I just adore it and am using it in the middle for a future son.
rie Says:
WOW. LOOOOOVED THIS NAME, BUT just now heard that it is Snoop Dog's (or Snoop Lion's) name irl... Definitely dropped this gorgeous name down a few pegs in my book.
Guest Says:
I don't see Calvin as quirky at all, I think it's really handsome. It's not too common but not underrated, it's classic but cool, you can call him Cal or Vinny. I love it! It's a new addition to my list. ☺️
jimi Says:
I think Kalvin, spelled with a K, is also a good name.
mabespark Says:
I really like this... strong but quirky and warm.
Guest Says:
I think another cool and unisex alternative could be Calvary.
lesliemarion Says:
"Quirky but cozy"; nailed it.
Daily Delivery
Exclusive Nameberry picks, direct to you.
Heard a mom call her (approx) five-year-old son Calvin today, along with little brother Finn.
Had a renewed interest in the name. Sounds a little bit funny with the sibling name, though.