ChatGPT
Claude
Gemini
Perplexity
The short answer
Calvin is a masculine English name derived from the French surname Cauvin, which Behind the Name traces to chauve, "bald". The surname belonged to Jean Cauvin (1509–1564), the French theologian and Protestant Reformation leader known in English as John Calvin; his name was Latinized as Calvinus, from Latin calvus, "bald". Behind the Name says the name has been used as a given name in his honour since the 19th century. It is pronounced KAL-vin. In the United States it ranked #132 for boys in 2025.
Meaning and etymology
Behind the Name gives Calvin as "derived from the French surname Cauvin, which was derived from chauve meaning 'bald'". The surname was borne by Jean Cauvin (1509–1564), one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation, whose name was Latinized as Calvinus on the basis of Latin calvus, "bald"; he is known in English as John Calvin. The entry states that Calvin has been used as a given name in his honour since the 19th century, and adds two modern bearers: the American fashion designer Calvin Klein (born 1942) and the title character of Bill Watterson's comic strip Calvin and Hobbes (1985–1995). Cal is listed as a diminutive.
Editorial confidence: established
Linguistic roots
| Language | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| French | chauve | bald |
| French | Cauvin (surname) | surname derived from chauve |
| Latin | Calvinus (from calvus) | bald; Latinized form of Cauvin |
Popularity
Calvin ranked #132 for boys in the United States in 2025 (Social Security Administration).
| Region | Year | Rank | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | #132 | ssa-2025 |
Nicknames, variants, and related names
Nicknames: Cal
Variants: None documented.
Related names: Cauvin, Calvinus
What the name feels like
Calvin is a two-syllable name with a firm, scholarly ring that comes from its Reformation namesake, softened in the popular mind by the mischievous boy of Calvin and Hobbes. Its meaning is rarely the point; parents choose it for its vintage, bookish feel and the easy nickname Cal.
Style tags: vintage, two syllables, surname name, literary association
Editorial interpretation: These style impressions are editorial judgment, not linguistic fact. The bearers mentioned are the ones named on the Behind the Name entry.
If you like this name
Names that share Calvin's vintage feel or its sound.
Similar by sound
Similar by style
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Calvin mean?
Calvin means "bald". It comes from the French surname Cauvin, derived from chauve, "bald", and was Latinized as Calvinus from Latin calvus.
Is Calvin a popular name?
Calvin ranked #132 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.
Who is Calvin named after?
Behind the Name says Calvin has been used as a given name since the 19th century in honour of John Calvin (Jean Cauvin, 1509–1564), the French theologian and Protestant Reformation leader.
Sources
- Behind the Name: Meaning, origin and history of the name Calvin — supports etymology, pronunciation, John Calvin history, diminutive, modern bearers.
- U.S. Social Security Administration: Popular Baby Names — national data, year of birth 2025 — supports popularity.
