Alvin
From Old English Ælfwine, made up of ælf (“elf”) + wine (“friend”).
Every Alvin since 1880 — 162,512 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Alvin
Alvin is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #838 in 2025 with 294 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 162,512 American babies have been named Alvin. Its peak came in 1927, when 2,908 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1920s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Alvin stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Alvin year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 294 | #838 |
| 2024 | — | — | 318 | #791 |
| 2023 | — | — | 337 | #765 |
| 2022 | — | — | 352 | #737 |
| 2021 | — | — | 325 | #770 |
| 2020 | — | — | 377 | #682 |
| 2019 | — | — | 399 | #663 |
| 2018 | — | — | 390 | #655 |
| 2017 | — | — | 439 | #603 |
| 2016 | — | — | 471 | #585 |
| 2015 | — | — | 455 | #601 |
| 2014 | — | — | 462 | #595 |
| 2013 | — | — | 458 | #570 |
| 2012 | — | — | 505 | #521 |
| 2011 | — | — | 464 | #548 |
| 2010 | — | — | 492 | #526 |
| 2009 | — | — | 471 | #562 |
| 2008 | — | — | 658 | #436 |
| 2007 | — | — | 522 | #505 |
| 2006 | — | — | 516 | #503 |
| 2005 | — | — | 516 | #483 |
| 2004 | — | — | 484 | #505 |
| 2003 | — | — | 477 | #510 |
| 2002 | — | — | 533 | #457 |
| 2001 | — | — | 541 | #447 |
| 2000 | — | — | 522 | #456 |
| 1995 | — | — | 548 | #415 |
| 1990 | — | — | 749 | #331 |
| 1985 | 13 | #5,363 | 705 | #291 |
| 1980 | 8 | #7,440 | 868 | #254 |
| 1975 | 7 | #7,192 | 856 | #240 |
| 1970 | 17 | #3,584 | 1,087 | #223 |
| 1965 | 11 | #3,957 | 1,328 | #190 |
| 1960 | 10 | #4,193 | 1,995 | #166 |
| 1955 | 18 | #2,637 | 2,360 | #134 |
| 1950 | 17 | #2,440 | 2,269 | #121 |
| 1945 | 11 | #2,746 | 1,861 | #120 |
| 1940 | 12 | #2,425 | 1,911 | #106 |
| 1935 | 15 | #2,100 | 2,165 | #91 |
| 1930 | 24 | #1,611 | 2,512 | #79 |
| 1925 | 19 | #2,021 | 2,777 | #70 |
| 1920 | 22 | #1,818 | 2,523 | #76 |
| 1915 | 11 | #2,542 | 2,006 | #81 |
| 1910 | — | — | 401 | #85 |
| 1905 | — | — | 258 | #92 |
| 1900 | — | — | 223 | #105 |
| 1895 | — | — | 179 | #103 |
| 1890 | — | — | 147 | #112 |
| 1885 | — | — | 125 | #111 |
| 1880 | — | — | 102 | #132 |
Famous people named Alvin
- Alvin Toffler Writer · 1928–2016
- Alvin Kraenzlein Athlete · 1876–1928
- Alvin Lee Musician · 1944–2013
- Alvin Plantinga Philosopher · b. 1932
- Alvin Hansen Economist · 1887–1975
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alvin mean?
From Old English Ælfwine, made up of ælf (“elf”) + wine (“friend”).
How popular is the name Alvin in 2025?
Alvin ranked #838 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 294 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Alvin?
162,512 babies have been named Alvin in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Alvin most popular?
Alvin peaked in 1927, when 2,908 newborns received the name.
Is Alvin a boy or girl name?
Alvin is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 99% of babies with the name.
Is the name Alvin rising or falling?
Alvin is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Alvin?
Well-known people named Alvin include Alvin Toffler (writer), Alvin Kraenzlein (athlete), Alvin Lee (musician).