boys' name · peaked 1924

Calvin

Latinization of Norman-Picard Cauvin, a nickname for a chauve (“bald”) person.

Every Calvin since 1880 — 222,287 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.

Measure
Births per 1,000 babies of that sex — comparable across eras
1.252.53.75518801900192019401960198020002020BoysGirls
BoysGirls
Rank 2025
#132
among boys
Babies in 2025
2,717
named Calvin
Peak year
1924
4,940 babies
All-time total
222,287
since 1880

The story of Calvin

Calvin is moderately common for boys in the United States, ranked #132 in 2025 with 2,710 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.

Since 1880, 222,287 American babies have been named Calvin. Its peak came in 1924, when 4,940 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1920s.

The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Calvin stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.

Calvin year by year

Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.

Year Girls Girls rank Boys Boys rank
2025 7 #12,161 2,710 #132
2024 5 #15,729 2,577 #140
2023 2,411 #152
2022 5 #15,751 2,593 #148
2021 6 #13,808 2,593 #145
2020 8 #11,284 2,535 #144
2019 2,647 #145
2018 2,761 #144
2017 2,703 #146
2016 7 #13,163 2,795 #149
2015 2,439 #171
2014 6 #14,926 2,337 #182
2013 7 #13,443 2,066 #195
2012 1,966 #189
2011 1,709 #208
2010 1,662 #215
2009 1,578 #231
2008 1,630 #227
2007 1,618 #229
2006 7 #13,860 1,648 #220
2005 1,619 #219
2004 1,597 #219
2003 1,566 #223
2002 5 #15,852 1,561 #221
2001 5 #15,774 1,613 #215
2000 1,681 #214
1995 6 #12,012 1,720 #181
1990 8 #9,376 1,783 #173
1985 19 #4,147 1,520 #177
1980 13 #5,271 1,325 #185
1975 14 #4,388 1,283 #178
1970 15 #3,891 1,734 #166
1965 20 #2,752 2,045 #153
1960 28 #2,201 2,909 #129
1955 16 #2,851 3,149 #110
1950 12 #3,076 2,742 #105
1945 11 #2,757 1,797 #124
1940 9 #2,986 1,471 #127
1935 7 #3,462 1,321 #127
1930 14 #2,321 1,618 #111
1925 20 #1,950 4,302 #47
1920 9 #3,376 1,098 #139
1915 7 #3,483 694 #166
1910 201 #153
1905 141 #148
1900 128 #163
1895 130 #130
1890 116 #124
1885 119 #114
1880 134 #100

Famous people named Calvin

  1. Calvin Coolidge Politician · 1872–1933
  2. Calvin Klein Fashion designer · b. 1942
  3. Calvin Harris Singer · b. 1984
  4. Calvin Smith Athlete · b. 1961
  5. Calvin Murphy Basketball player · b. 1948

Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Calvin mean?

Latinization of Norman-Picard Cauvin, a nickname for a chauve (“bald”) person.

How popular is the name Calvin in 2025?

Calvin ranked #132 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 2,710 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.

How many people are named Calvin?

222,287 babies have been named Calvin in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.

When was the name Calvin most popular?

Calvin peaked in 1924, when 4,940 newborns received the name.

Is Calvin a boy or girl name?

Calvin is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 99% of babies with the name.

Is the name Calvin rising or falling?

Calvin is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.

Who are famous people named Calvin?

Well-known people named Calvin include Calvin Coolidge (politician), Calvin Klein (fashion designer), Calvin Harris (singer).

Names like Calvin

Compare Calvin with similar names →