Find out how popular the first name Calvin has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Calvin by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Calvin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Calvin being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,403 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Calvin.

The history of the first name Calvin

The name Calvin has its origins in the Latin name Calvinus, which was a Roman family name derived from the Latin word calvus, meaning "bald" or "hairless." The name likely originated as a nickname or descriptive term for someone with little or no hair.

In the Early Middle Ages, the name was adopted as a given name by Christians, possibly in honor of Saint Calvinus, a 7th-century Christian martyr from Saxony. The name gained popularity during the Protestant Reformation, particularly among followers of the French theologian John Calvin (1509-1564), a key figure in the Protestant Reformation and the founder of Calvinism.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Calvin can be found in the 6th-century Latin text "Vitae Patrum" (Lives of the Fathers), which mentions a monk named Calvinus. In the 9th century, there was a Scottish bishop named Calvin who attended the Council of Chalcedon in 451.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Calvin. One of the most famous was John Calvin, the French Protestant reformer and theologian who lived from 1509 to 1564. He was a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation and his teachings, known as Calvinism, profoundly influenced Christian theology and the development of the Reformed and Presbyterian churches.

Another notable Calvin was Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), the 30th President of the United States. He served as president from 1923 to 1929 and was known for his conservative fiscal policies and his advocacy for civil rights.

Calvin Klein (born 1942) is an American fashion designer who founded the eponymous fashion house Calvin Klein Inc. He is renowned for his minimalist and modern designs, particularly in the areas of underwear, fragrances, and apparel.

In literature, Calvin is the name of the precocious and imaginative six-year-old protagonist in the comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson, which ran from 1985 to 1995. The character Calvin and his stuffed tiger Hobbes became beloved cultural icons.

Calvin Harris (born 1984) is a Scottish DJ, record producer, and singer-songwriter. He has been one of the most successful and influential figures in the electronic dance music scene since the late 2000s, known for hits like "Feel So Close" and "Summer."

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Calvin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Calvin, please contact us.

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