Kevin is a popular given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Caoimh, which is an anglicized form of the Old Irish personal name Ó Caomháin. The name means "handsome" or "comely," and it is believed to have been first used as a given name in the 18th century.
The surname Ó Caoimh was originally borne by a family that was prominent in County Kerry, Ireland. The name is thought to have originated from the Irish word "caomh," which means "gentle" or "noble." Over time, the name evolved and became anglicized as Kevin.
In literature, one of the earliest appearances of the name Kevin can be found in James Joyce's novel "Finnegans Wake," which was published in 1939. In the book, the character Shem the Penman is referred to as Kevin, suggesting that the name may have been gaining popularity during this time.
Today, Kevin is a widely recognized given name throughout the English-speaking world. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular boys' names in the United States since the 1940s. The name is also popular in other countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Some notable individuals with the name Kevin include American actor Kevin Bacon, Canadian singer-songwriter Kevin Drew, and Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, whose birth certificate originally listed his first name as "George" but who was known throughout his life as "Bernard Kevin." Overall, the name Kevin has a rich history and continues to be beloved by many families around the world.
The name Keivin has seen some fluctuation in popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 19 births recorded between 2000 and 2009. The year 2007 saw the lowest number of births with this name, with only 5 babies named Keivin. However, both 2000 and 2009 saw an increase in popularity, with 7 births each year. This data suggests that while Keivin may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent level of popularity over this decade-long period.