Calvin means bald or little bald one — from the Latin calvus. John Calvin transformed Christianity through his theology. Calvin Klein transformed fashion through his minimalism. Calvin and Hobbes is the greatest comic strip ever drawn. Calvin Coolidge was America's quietest president. The name carries Protestant theology, designer underwear, a stuffed tiger, and presidential silence.
Calvin and Hobbes is the greatest comic strip of all time.
Calvin Klein is synonymous with American fashion.
John Calvin transformed Protestant Christianity.
Two syllables with a clean, intellectual sound: KAL-vin.
Cal is a strong, minimal nickname.
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The vibe of Calvin
Calvin and HobbesKleintheologybaldCoolidgeintellectualcomic-stripminimalist
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Origin & history of Calvin
Latin calvus (bald)→French Calvin→English Calvin
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English / French roots
Calvin comes from the French surname derived from the Latin calvus meaning bald. John Calvin (1509–1564) was one of the most important figures of the Protestant Reformation. Calvin Klein founded one of America's most iconic fashion brands. Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes (1985–1995) is widely regarded as the greatest comic strip ever created. Calvin Coolidge was the 30th US President.
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First recorded
Earliest known use: John Calvin (1509–1564) founded Calvinist theology; used as a given name in his honour.
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Today
Calvin remains a beloved choice, ranking #148 in the US. 219,556 babies have been named Calvin since 1880.
◈ Sources: Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names, SSA data
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How popular is Calvin?
1924peak year
Calvin has settled into a steady rhythm — neither rising sharply nor fading, holding a consistent place in U.S. birth records. It currently ranks around #148, with about 2,607 babies named Calvin each year. In 1924, 4,919 babies were named Calvin (ranked #44 nationally). Total registrations across all years since 1880: roughly 219,556.
Year-by-year registrations1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
4,919 Babies named in peak year (ranked #44)
2,607Avg. per year (last decade)
26,070Total registrations last 10 years
219,556All-time total (since 1880)
Popularity in the US today (rank #148)Very popular
Calvin's Life Path 7 is the seeker's number — seeking truth through theology, fashion, and a stuffed tiger. People named Calvin tend to be intellectual, imaginative, and more philosophical than they initially appear.
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