What Does the Name Kevin Mean?
Kevin means "handsome" or "beloved," from the Irish Caoimhín, itself derived from Old Irish Cóemgein -- coem ("kind, gentle, handsome") and gein ("birth").
The Origin & History of Kevin
The name honors Saint Kevin of Glendalough, a 6th-century Irish monk who founded a monastic settlement in County Wicklow. Kevin remained largely confined to Ireland until the mid-20th century, when it spread rapidly through the English-speaking world and beyond.
Cultural Reach
Kevin became one of the most popular boys' names across the US, UK, France, and Germany from the 1960s through the 1990s, making it one of the more internationally successful Irish names of the modern era.
Famous People Named Kevin
Notable bearers include Kevin Hart, the American comedian and actor, Kevin Durant, the NBA superstar and two-time champion, and Kevin Bacon, the American actor known for Footloose and the "six degrees" trivia game named after him.
Nicknames & Variations
Kev is the common short form. Caoimhín is the original Irish spelling.
Is Kevin a Good Name in 2026?
Kevin has declined from its mid-century peak but remains a widely recognized, friendly classic across multiple generations.