Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kelvin
BoyScottish· “from a Scottish river name”
- Meaning
- from a Scottish river name
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- KEHL-vihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,036
- US babies 2025
- 214
- Best rank
- #207 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1961
Meaning and origin of Kelvin
Kelvin is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from a Scottish river name”.
Kelvin comes from the River Kelvin, which flows through Glasgow in Scotland. The meaning of the river's name is uncertain, though it is probably of Celtic origin. The physicist William Thomson took the title Lord Kelvin from the river, and the kelvin, the base unit of temperature in the international system of units, is named after him. As a given name, Kelvin has been used since the twentieth century, especially in Scotland, the United States and parts of Africa and Asia. It sounds bright and clever, and Kel is a simple nickname.
Popularity over time
Kelvin first appears in US Social Security records in 1912. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 74 different years, starting in 1950. Its best national rank was #207 in 1965, and the most babies received it in 1961, when 1,370 were named Kelvin. In 2025, 214 babies were named Kelvin, and it ranked #1,036 nationally. That is 46% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #576 in 1950, #313 in 1980, #389 in 2000, #520 in 2010, and #1,036 in 2025. Of the 51,551 US boys named Kelvin since records began, 23% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 7,931 babies. Since 2010, 5,272 more have been named Kelvin.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Chuck, Timmy, Marty, Nick, and Pat.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kelvin ranked highest in Mississippi, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #448 | 7 |
| Massachusetts | #589 | 8 |
| New Jersey | #590 | 12 |
| Alabama | #602 | 8 |
| Maryland | #607 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Kelvin is usually pronounced KEHL-vihn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Kelvin
A few middle names that flow with Kelvin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kelvin
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Lists that include Kelvin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kelvin mean?
Kelvin is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from a Scottish river name”.
What is the origin of the name Kelvin?
Kelvin has Scottish roots. Kelvin comes from the River Kelvin, which flows through Glasgow in Scotland.
Is Kelvin a popular name?
Not especially. Kelvin ranked #1,036 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kelvin a boy or girl name?
Kelvin is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Kelvin?
Kelvin is usually pronounced KEHL-vihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings