Kevin

boyIrishChristian

Kevin is a Christian boy name of Irish origin, meaning “Gentle, kind birth; handsome”.

MeaningGentle, kind birth; handsome
GenderBoy
OriginIrish
PronunciationKEV-in
TraditionChristian, Modern & Classic
Used inIreland, United States, United Kingdom, Worldwide

Meaning and origin of Kevin

Kevin is the English form of the Irish Caoimhín, from caomh, gentle, kind or handsome. It is borne by St Kevin of Glendalough, a sixth-century hermit and abbot who founded a famous monastic settlement in the Wicklow Mountains. For centuries the name was used mainly in Ireland, but in the twentieth century it spread across the world and became a top name in the US, UK, France and Germany.

Is Kevin a Christian name?

Kevin is a Christian name through St Kevin, one of the patron saints of Dublin, whose feast day is 3 June.

How popular is Kevin?

Very common worldwide, most popular from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Gifts with the name Kevin

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Spellings and variants of Kevin

CaoimhínKevanKev

Names similar to Kevin

More Christian boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kevin mean?

Kevin means 'Gentle, kind birth; handsome'. It is of Irish origin.

Is Kevin a Christian name?

Kevin is a Christian name through St Kevin, one of the patron saints of Dublin, whose feast day is 3 June.

How do you pronounce Kevin?

Kevin is pronounced KEV-in.

Is Kevin a boy or girl name?

Kevin is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.