Irvin

Meaning of Irvin

Irvin traces its path to the Gaelic surname Irvine, born of a Scottish river whose name means “green water,” yet the sleeker v-spelling soon traveled well beyond the Highlands, gaining currency from Glasgow to Guadalajara. Pronounced UR-vin, it delivers a brisk, two-beat cadence that sits comfortably in both English and Spanish speech. The roster of bearers—Pulitzer-nominated journalist Irvin S. Cobb, Star Wars director Irvin Kershner, and psychiatrist-author Irvin Yalom—lends the name a scholarly, creative aura. U.S. birth data confirm its quiet endurance: ranked every year since federal records began in 1880, peaking early last century and holding a steady mid-table presence through today. For parents who want Celtic roots, cross-border ease, and a history long enough to feel tested yet not tired, Irvin offers a straightforward, timeless choice.