Alvin

For many more names, please Return to Edgar's Main Page.

Alvin

Gender: Masculine
Language: English
Etymology:
Alvin is Norman French form of Alwin, a form of Elwin, a name with several possible sources:
1. It could from Aelfwine, meaning “Elf Friend” from “aelf” (elf) and “wine” (friend).
-or-
2. It could from Aethelwine meaning “Noble Friend” from “aethel” (elf) and “wine” (friend).

History:
Alvin, an original alternate form of Elwin, also died out soon after the Norman Conquest. It was revived in the 19th century and is slowly dying out again.

Please see Elwin for more information.

Pronunciation: al-vin.

Alternates: Alvan, Alvis, Alviss, Alvyn, Alwin.
French: Aluin.
Italian: Alvino.
Spanish: Aluino.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Alvin Langdon Coburn (1882-1966)
American-British photographer.
Alvin Ailey, Jr. (1931-1989)
American dancer.

Educators, Scholars, and Social Workers:
Alvin Hansen (1887-19715)
American economist.
Alvin Plantinga (1932-)
American philosopher.

Fictional Characters:
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Cartoon singers.

Miscellaneous:
Alvin Kraenzlein (1876-1928)
American Olympic athlete.
Alvin C. York (1887-1964)
American war hero. Subject of the film Sergeant York.
Alvin Ray “Pete” Rozelle (1926-1996)
American sports executive.

Scientists:
Alvan Clark (1804-1887)
American astronomer.
Alvan Graham Clark (1832-1897)
American astronomer.
Alvin Poussaint (1935-)
American psychiatrist.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.105 % named Alvin

Popularity of Alvin:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1850: 221st most popular.
1875: 157th most popular.
1900-1910: 98th most popular.
1910-1920: 82nd most popular.
1920-1930: 72nd most popular.
1930-1940: 95th most popular.
1940-1950: 116th most popular.
1950-1960: 142nd most popular.
1960-1970: 182nd most popular.
1970-1980: 248th most popular.
1980-1990: 287th most popular.
1990: 329th most popular.
1991: 349th most popular.
1992: 371st most popular.
1993: 367th most popular.
1994: 398th most popular.
1995: 411th most popular.
1996: 446th most popular.
1997: 417th most popular.
1998: 435th most popular.
1999: 443rd most popular.
2000: 461st most popular.
2001: 453rd most popular.
2002: 459th most popular.
2003: 512th most popular.