The given name Irving has its origins in the Old English language, tracing back to the 11th century or earlier. It is derived from the Old English words "Ifer" and "ing," which together translate to "green riverbank." This suggests that the name was likely associated with individuals who lived near or owned land near a riverbank with lush greenery.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Irving can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and property ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This historical record lists several individuals with variations of the name, such as "Iruine" and "Iruingus."

During the Middle Ages, the name Irving gained popularity among the nobility and landed gentry in Scotland and Northern England. It is believed to have been particularly prevalent in the Scottish Borders region, where several families bore the name or variations of it, such as the Irvings of Drum.

Notable historical figures with the given name Irving include Irving of Strasburg (c. 1200-1278), a German priest and theologian who wrote extensively on Church doctrine and canon law. Another notable bearer of the name was Irving of Falkirk (c. 1275-1324), a Scottish nobleman and military leader who fought in the Wars of Scottish Independence against England.

In the 16th century, the name Irving gained further prominence with the birth of Sir Alexander Irving of Drum (1513-1603), a Scottish knight and landowner known for his role in the Protestant Reformation in Scotland. He was a staunch supporter of the reformer John Knox and played a significant role in the establishment of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland.

During the 19th century, the name Irving became more widely used beyond its traditional strongholds in Scotland and Northern England. One of the most famous individuals with the name was the American author Washington Irving (1783-1859), best known for his short stories "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle." His literary works and use of the name helped to popularize it in the United States.

Other notable individuals with the given name Irving throughout history include Irving Berlin (1888-1989), the renowned American composer and lyricist known for timeless songs like "God Bless America" and "White Christmas." Sir Irving John Gill (1870-1936) was a prominent English architect who played a significant role in the development of the modern architecture movement in Southern California.