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NamyLab

Kelvin

male
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Narrow Water"

Taken from the River Kelvin in Scotland, it gained broader recognition through Lord Kelvin and subsequent scientific and cultural references.

Themes:scottishrivermodernscientific

Fact-checked by Sarah Mitchell

B.A. Journalism, Northwestern University10+ Years Parenting WritingMom of ThreeParenting Editor

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Kelvin

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#1080Ranked in 2024

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#1080

Kelvin was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
-113

lower than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Kelvin Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Kelvin.

10 ideas
kelv
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ke
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kely
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ky
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ko
Nickname
viny
Nickname
lvin
Nickname
lviy
Nickname
kie
Nickname
kkie
Nickname

Baby Name Lists That Include Kelvin

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Kelvin, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

22 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Kelvin mean?
Kelvin means "Narrow Water". Taken from the River Kelvin in Scotland, it gained broader recognition through Lord Kelvin and subsequent scientific and
What is the origin of Kelvin?
Kelvin is of Scottish origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Kelvin?
According to the latest SSA data, Kelvin is currently ranked #1080 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Kelvin a boy name?
Kelvin is traditionally a boy name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Kelvin?
Popular nicknames for Kelvin include kelv, ke, kely, ky, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Kelvin?
There are many names similar to Kelvin in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginScottish
Syllables2
Length6 letters
US Rank#1080
Trend↓ Falling
Starts withK

Explore More Boy Names Like Kelvin

Kelvin has Scottish roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Scottish baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Kelvin appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Names That Mean Nature and Names That Mean Ocean for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Names That Mean Water for Boys and Girls and Earth-Inspired Nature Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Kelvin pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Kelvin beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.