Calvin is a name of Latin origin, meaning "bald" or "hairless". It comes from the Late Latin word "calvus", which was used to describe someone who had no hair on their head. The name Calvin has been popular throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Calvin was John Calvin, a French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. He is known for his religious work "Institutes of the Christian Religion" and his teachings on predestination and the sovereignty of God. Because of his influence, the name Calvin became strongly associated with Christianity.
Another notable figure with the name Calvin was Calvin Coolidge, who served as the 30th President of the United States from 1923 to 1929. He is remembered for his folksy manner and his ability to connect with ordinary Americans.
Throughout history, the name Calvin has been popular in many English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It was particularly popular during the mid-20th century, reaching its peak popularity in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s.
Today, the name Calvin is still widely used and has a modern, sophisticated sound. It is often associated with the idea of intelligence and leadership, perhaps due to its historical connection to prominent figures like John Calvin and Calvin Coolidge. Despite its meaning of "bald", the name Calvin is not typically associated with any negative connotations, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and memorable name for their son.
The name Calvin has a rich history of usage in the United States, as reflected in the provided statistics. From the early 20th century to the present day, there have been a total of 1,211 births registered with the name Calvin.
The name's popularity experienced significant fluctuations throughout the decades. In the first few years of the 20th century, the number of babies named Calvin ranged from 5 to 9 per year. However, starting in the mid-1920s, there was a notable increase in its usage, with the annual count reaching as high as 23 births in 1926.
The name maintained a steady level of popularity throughout the 1930s and 1940s, with an average of about 10 to 15 babies named Calvin each year. Interestingly, during World War II (from 1941 to 1945), the number of births bearing this name remained relatively consistent, indicating that the war did not significantly impact parents' choice of names.
In the post-war era, particularly from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, there was a noticeable surge in popularity for the name Calvin. During this period, the annual count of babies named Calvin peaked at 30 births in both 1958 and 1964.
However, starting in the late 1960s, there was a gradual decline in the usage of the name Calvin. Between 1970 and 2000, the annual count hovered around an average of 10 to 20 births per year, with occasional spikes such as the 23 births registered in 1977.
In recent years, from 2006 onwards, the popularity of the name Calvin has seen a slight resurgence. With approximately 5 to 8 babies named Calvin each year, it appears that this classic name continues to hold appeal for parents, even among modern naming trends.
Overall, these statistics showcase the enduring appeal and fluctuating popularity of the name Calvin in the United States throughout the past century. Despite its ups and downs in usage, the name has maintained a consistent presence, reflecting its timeless qualities and parental preference.