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

Popularity of Devlin by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Devlin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 94% of people named Devlin being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 22 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Devlin.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby girls were named Devlin in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Devlin

The name Devlin is of Irish origin and can be traced back to the medieval era. It is derived from the Gaelic words "dubh" meaning black and "linn" meaning pool or lake, giving it the meaning "black pool" or "dark lake."

This name was initially used as a surname in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Westmeath and Longford. It is believed to have originated as a descriptive name referring to a person who lived near a dark or murky body of water.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Devlin can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history, where it appears as a surname in the 13th century. However, its use as a given name did not become common until several centuries later.

In the 16th century, during the reign of Henry VIII, a notable figure named Devlin O'Rourke was a prominent clan chief in County Leitrim. He played a role in the Irish resistance against English rule during that period.

Another historical figure bearing the name Devlin was a 17th-century Irish Catholic priest and historian, Devlin O'Hartigan. He wrote extensively on the history of Ireland and the lives of Irish saints.

During the 19th century, a prominent Irish politician named Joseph Devlin was a leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party and a staunch advocate for Irish home rule. He was born in 1872 and played a significant role in the Irish nationalist movement.

In the realm of literature, the name Devlin is associated with the Irish playwright and novelist, Bernard Devlin. He was born in 1910 and is best known for his works exploring the tensions between Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland.

Another notable individual with the name Devlin was the American labor leader and activist, Dennis Devlin. Born in 1908, he played a crucial role in the labor movement and the fight for workers' rights in the United States.

While the name Devlin has Irish roots, it has gained popularity as a given name in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries, due to its unique and distinctive sound.

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

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

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