Elvin

Elvin - A very unique male name

Elvin appeared on the charts for the first time in 1910 on position #583. In this article you'll learn the history of this name, statistics, see famous people named Elvin and more.
Are you having a baby or looking to learn more about the name Elvin? Our experts and editorial staff have gathered trends and insights for 30,000+ baby names over the last 100 years -- And on this page you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the name Elvin. The baby boy name Elvin was given to 45 baby boys in 2025, ranking #1782 on the national boy baby name top chart.


With that position 1 in 32,584 baby boys were given this name - making this a very unique male name according to our Popularity Score algorithm. Elvin peaked in popularity 111 years ago in 1915 on position 281.

Famous with this name

How would you rate Elvin, 1-5?

Elvin is currently topping the charts in...

Did you know that popularity can vary a lot between states? Elvin is currently topping the baby name charts in Massachusetts at position #814 - and is the least popular in California at position #1,724.

Why care about state specific baby name charts? It could be that a name that is very popular on the national overall charts is less (or even more) popular where you live. So make sure you check out the state specific charts below and find out how popular or unique Elvin is where you live.

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Elvin origin and meaning

English, via Alvin

A variant of Alvin — from Old English Ælfwine, ælf, 'elf,' + wine, 'friend': 'elf-friend'

Elvin is the -e- variant of Alvin, a name built from an Old English name meaning elf-friend. It peaked in 1927 and has declined gently for a century, though it never disappeared, helped by use in Black and Latino families. Its sound now sits between vintage Alvin and the fantasy register of 'elven.'

Attested etymology

Elvin is a 5 letter name with 2 syllables.

To see famous people named Elvin, pop culture references for the name Elvin and nicknames & variations - visit Nameberry or Wikipedia.

Similar to Elvin

We've found the following names that sound similar to Elvin, sorted by popularity.

Elbin /

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Name statistics

Most parents-to-be know if they want a popular or unique name, and with these charts and data tables you can easily get a better understanding of how popular or unique this name is.

With a quick glance you can easily tell if this name is increasing or declining in popularity - But note that its current popularity can actually differ a lot from state to state.

Chart position per year (visualized)

Chart position per state (visualized)

Chart position per year (table view)

Chart position per state (table view)

Even more about Elvin

These are some of the common questions you may want to have answered to know if this is the perfect name for your baby.

Is Elvin a common or unique name?

By analyzing the number of births and frequency of this name we've determined that it's currently a very unique male name.

What is the number of syllables for the name Elvin?

2 syllables. Why is this important? One of the things that makes a baby name sound good and have a nice rythm is the number of syllables - and especially the number of syllables along with the syllable count for your last name. A simple rule is to avoid having the same number of syllables in your first, middle and last name.

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Pronunciation

EL-vin · /ˈɛlvɪn/

Around the world

No traditional forms in other languages — this name was created in America in our own time.

Spellings and nicknames

• Alvin — The standard form; a separate established name.
• Elwin — A related variant from a parallel Old English name.

Famous bearers

• Elvin Bishop — American blues-rock guitarist and singer, known for 'Fooled Around and Fell in Love' (b. 1942) Contemporary

Style

Vintage revival

Why parents choose it

Elvin has a soft, musical vintage feel and a quietly magical undertone from its elf element. It is familiar without being common.

Worth knowing

• It will be heard as Alvin often, and 'elven' jokes from fantasy fans are possible; its peak was in the 1920s.