Calvin: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Calvin is a French-derived name from the surname Cauvin, which comes from chauve, meaning 'bald'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- KAL-vinˈkæl.vɪn
- Origin
- French
- Meaning
- Calvin is a French-derived name from the surname Cauvin, which comes from chauve, meaning 'bald'.
- Gender
- Boy's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Cal, Calvie
- US Popularity (2025)
- #132 — 📈 Rising
What Does Calvin Mean?
Calvin comes from the French surname Cauvin, derived from chauve, 'bald' (the Latin form is Calvinus, from calvus). It became a first name through John Calvin, the French Protestant reformer born Jean Cauvin in 1509, whose teachings shaped the Reformed churches of Switzerland, Scotland and the Netherlands. His name was Latinised as Calvinus.
As a first name it became widely used in the US, with a best rank of #44 in 1924, soon after Calvin Coolidge took office as the thirtieth president in 1923.
Other bearers are the fashion designer Calvin Klein, and the cartoon Calvin of Bill Watterson's strip 'Calvin and Hobbes', named after John Calvin and the philosopher Thomas Hobbes. The name has been on a slow climb since 2015, rising from #171 to #132.
How Popular Is Calvin?
Calvin was #171 in 2015, held near #144 to #152 from 2016 to 2023, and reached #132 in 2025.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Calvin
Classic pairings
- Calvin James
- Calvin William
- Calvin Alexander
- Calvin Henry
Modern pairings
- Calvin Atlas
- Calvin Wilder
- Calvin Beckett
- Calvin Jasper
One-syllable options
- Calvin Reid
- Calvin Cole
- Calvin Grant
- Calvin Blake
Family-name bridges
- Calvin John
- Calvin David
- Calvin Thomas
- Calvin Joseph
Names Similar to Calvin
If you love Calvin, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Calvin
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Calvin
- John CalvinFrench theologian and Protestant reformer born Jean Cauvin in 1509.
- Calvin CoolidgeThirtieth president of the United States, who served from 1923 to 1929.
- Calvin KleinAmerican fashion designer who founded the Calvin Klein brand in 1968.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Calvin
Is Calvin a boy or girl name?
Calvin is primarily a boy's name. It is very rarely used for girls.
How do you pronounce Calvin?
Calvin is pronounced KAL-vin (IPA: ˈkæl.vɪn). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Cal, Calvie.
Is Calvin a French name?
Calvin is of French origin. Calvin is a French-derived name from the surname Cauvin, which comes from chauve, meaning 'bald'.
What does Calvin mean?
Calvin is a French-derived name from the surname Cauvin, which comes from chauve, meaning 'bald'.
Calvin comes from the French surname Cauvin, derived from chauve, 'bald' (the Latin form is Calvinus, from calvus). It became a first name through John Calvin, the French Protestant reformer born Jean Cauvin in 1509, whose teachings shaped the Reformed churches of Switzerland, Scotland and the Netherlands. His name was Latinised as Calvinus.
Is Calvin a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Calvin is a highly popular name. It ranked #132 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is currently trending upward. Calvin was #171 in 2015, held near #144 to #152 from 2016 to 2023, and reached #132 in 2025.
What are good middle names for Calvin?
Good middle names for Calvin include classic choices like Calvin James and Calvin William, modern options like Calvin Atlas and Calvin Wilder, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Calvin Reid and Calvin Cole. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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