Kevin

The masculine first name Kevin was adopted from the English-speaking world and represents the anglicized form of the Gaelic name Caoimhin (Caoimhín) or Caomhán, which in turn traces back to the old Irish name Coemgen (Cóemgen) and was originally used as a nickname. Directly translated, Kevin means 'the handsome', 'the beautiful', 'the graceful', 'the beloved', or more freely interpreted as 'the handsome by birth'.

What does the name Kevin mean?

The masculine first name Kevin was adopted from the English-speaking world and represents the anglicized form of the Gaelic name Caoimhin (Caoimhín) or Caomhán, which in turn traces back to the old Irish name Coemgen (Cóemgen) and was originally used as a nickname. Directly translated, Kevin means 'the handsome', 'the beautiful', 'the graceful', 'the beloved', or more freely interpreted as 'the handsome by birth'. The roots of Kevin lie in Old Irish, derived from the two Old Irish or Gaelic components cóem or caomh meaning 'dear', 'beautiful', 'pretty', 'pleasant', 'gentle', 'kind', or 'honest' and gein or gin meaning 'birth' or 'child'. The modern French spelling of the name is Kévin. The first name became widespread through Kevin of Glendalough, an Irish saint from the 7th century. He was the founder and first abbot of Glendalough in County Wicklow, Ireland. In Germany, Kevin has been given since the late 1970s. Internationally, the first name was very popular in the last years of the 20th century, but its popularity has been steadily declining for about 10 years. This increased recognition of the name is attributed to the two films from the 1990s, 'Home Alone' and 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York', which were major successes worldwide. Among the most well-known bearers of the name are American actors Kevin Costner, Kevin Bacon, and Kevin James. The name is also rarely used as a surname. Kevinism: During the time when Kevin was very popular, numerous prejudices developed against exotic or English first names. Many children with these names were bullied through derogatory jokes and teasing. Furthermore, these children were often seen as children of a lower social class because their parents had given them the name and seemingly did not have enough perspective to choose a 'better' name. This situation has persisted in society to this day under the term 'Kevinism'. Other variants include Coemgenus, Cevin, Kevine, Keven, and Kewin. The feminine form used is Kevina.

Where does the name Kevin come from?

Etymology Kevin is a first name for boys that has its origins in Old Irish and was first used as Cóemgen. The name later evolved into Caoimhghín until it reached the modern Irish-Gaelic form Caomhán or Caoimhín. Its derivation comes from the two Old Irish or Gaelic elements cóem or caomh meaning 'dear', 'beautiful', 'pretty', 'pleasant', 'gentle', 'kind', or 'honest' and gein or gin meaning 'birth' or 'child'. Popular interpretations include 'the graceful', 'the beautiful', 'beautiful by birth', or 'pretty and graceful from birth'.

How do you pronounce Kevin?

Sound & pronunciation of Kevin: The name Kevin is two syllables and compactly constructed. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Ke-vin' [ˈkɛvɪn], starting with an open 'e' that conveys accessibility. The soft ending syllable provides a harmonious conclusion. Kevin feels modern and straightforward - lively, direct, and present.

When is the name day of Kevin?

The name day of Kevin is June 3 and June 6.

Popularity

Kevin is a very popular first name in Germany. Currently, it ranks 328th in the list of the most common male baby names. Its best ranking was achieved in 1991 with 3rd place. In the last ten years, Kevin has been given as a first name about 2,500 times, placing it 283rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 234th.

Nicknames & pet names

Al Kevo / Alpha-kevin / Bobo / Calvin / Chemmino / Chiller / Coueguemin / K-Win / Karpfen / Kay Kay / KayOne / Keeev / Keev / Keevi / Keff / Kefir / Keiven / Kek / Keki / Keko / Kelvin / Kerim / Keschi / Kethin / Kev / Kev Master / Kev-Kev / Kevanovic / Kevbert / Kevboss / Kevchef / Kevchen / Kevde / Keve / Keveli / Keven / Keveneleven / Kevgott / Kevi / Kevili / Kevims / Kevindl / Kevinek / Kevinio / Kevinismus / Kevinjo / Kevino / Kevinobiz / Kevinski / Kevka / Kevke / Kevkev / Kevko / Kevler / Kevlo / Kevman / Kevmet / Kevmeth / Kevo / Kevski / Kevte / Kevuin / Kevus / Kevä / Kewin / Kieron / Kieven / Kiffi / Kiffski / Kiiven / Kiki / Kilver / Kino / Kiselstein / Kisiel / Kiv / Kiven / Kivi / Kivo / Kivven / Kivwen / Kiwen / Kiwi / Kiwven / Kiwwen / Kqiven / Kvicken / Kä / Käfer / Käfig / Käfin / Kävi / Kävvino / Kävvl / Kävvr / Kävvy / Käwien / Kéq / Küüvään / Kývýn / Levin / Superkevin

Similar first names

Famous people

• Kevin Anthony Ford (Astronaut)
• Kevin Arnold (Main character in the US television series The Wonder Years)
• Kevin Bacon (Actor)
• Kevin Billington (British film director)
• Kevin Bonnet (Musician from France)
• Kevin Costner (Actor)
• Kevin Cullis (British football manager)
• Kevin Daniel Kilbane (Irish footballer)
• Kevin Dollerschell (Bassist of the band 'The Black Pony')
• Kevin Donald Lustig (American scientist & entrepreneur)
• Kevin Durant (Basketball player)
• Kevin Emery (Cricketer from England)
• Kevin Federline (Dancer, model, and ex-husband of Britney Spears)
• Kevin Feige (Film producer)
• Kevin Gentle (British cricketer)
• Kevin Großkreutz (Footballer)
• Kevin Hamlin (American racing driver)
• Kevin Hart (Actor, comedian)
• Kevin Hellenbrand (Singer of the band Ch!pz)
• Kevin Iannotta (Actor, footballer)