Kelvin

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Kelvin

Kelvin is a Celtic boy name, which has 6 letters.

Kelvin is a name of Scottish origin derived from the Gaelic name "Ceallachan". It means “handsome”, “lord of the battle”, or “protector”.

Alternate Meaning A river of scotland

Origin or Current Usage Celtic

Gender M

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

Detailed Information About The Name Kelvin

The name "Kelvin" has its origins in the Scottish and Irish Gaelic languages. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Ceallbhain," which means "narrow" or "narrow river." The name gained popularity as a first name in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, likely inspired by the famous Scottish physicist Sir William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin.

Sir William Thomson, later known as Lord Kelvin, was a prominent figure in the field of physics and thermodynamics during the 19th century. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1824, and made significant contributions to various branches of science, especially in the areas of temperature measurement and electricity. As his scientific achievements became well-known, the name "Kelvin" gained attention and started being used as a given name, especially among individuals with a scientific or intellectual inclination.

The name "Kelvin" carries connotations of intelligence, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge. It is often associated with individuals who possess a logical and analytical mind. People with the name Kelvin tend to be highly intellectual, original thinkers, and have a natural aptitude for science and mathematics.

Due to its unique sound and distinctiveness, the name Kelvin has become relatively popular in various English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is also occasionally used as a surname. Notable individuals bearing the name Kelvin include Kelvin Benjamin, an American professional football player, and Kelvin Ogilvie, a Canadian senator and former chemist.

In summary, the name Kelvin has deep roots in Gaelic language and Scottish heritage, and its popularity owes much to the renowned physicist Lord Kelvin. It is associated with intelligence, scientific prowess, and a thirst for knowledge, making it a distinctive and appealing choice for many parents around the world.

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names