Find out how popular the first name Carvel has been for the last 28 years (from 1977 to 2004) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Carvel by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Carvel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2004, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Carvel.

The history of the first name Carvel

The name Carvel is an English surname that originates from the Old French word "cavel," meaning a small piece of land or plot. It is believed to have derived from the Latin word "cavillus," which translates to a small piece or portion. The name likely emerged as a surname during the Middle Ages in England, referring to individuals who owned or worked on small parcels of land.

The earliest recorded use of the name Carvel as a first name can be traced back to the 16th century in England. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Sir Carvel Cargill, a Scottish nobleman and diplomat who lived from 1537 to 1605. He served as an ambassador for King James VI of Scotland to several European courts.

Another notable bearer of the name Carvel was Captain Carvel Trelawny, a British naval officer who participated in several major battles during the 18th century. He was born in 1692 and died in 1748. Trelawny gained recognition for his bravery and leadership during the Battle of Vigo Bay in 1702 and the Battle of Cape Passaro in 1718.

In the literary world, the name Carvel appears in the novel "The Cloister and the Hearth" by Charles Reade, published in 1861. The protagonist, Gerard Eliassoen, takes on the alias of Carvel during his travels across Europe. This fictional character may have contributed to the popularity of the name in the 19th century.

Another individual of note was Carvel Collins, an American artist and illustrator who lived from 1892 to 1925. He was best known for his work in book illustrations and magazine covers, particularly for publications like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue.

In the realm of sports, Carvel Holway was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the early 20th century. He was born in 1888 and played for various teams, including the Toronto Blueshirts and the Montreal Wanderers, between 1908 and 1919.

While the name Carvel has been used as a first name throughout history, its usage has been relatively uncommon compared to more widespread names. However, it has maintained a unique and distinctive quality, often associated with its historical roots and literary references.

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 Carvel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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