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Irving Boy

Popularity: #819 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationUR-ving / /ˈɪr.vɪŋ/

English; Scottish

Meaning

English: sea friend; Scottish: green river

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Irving has its roots in the Old English and Old Norse languages, deriving from the elements "ir" meaning "river" and "ving" which can be interpreted as "friend" or "beloved." The name is believed to have originated from the Scottish surname "Irving," which is associated with the River Irwine in Ayrshire, Scotland. This connection to a geographical feature highlights the name's early significance in relation to nature and the landscape. The transition of the name into English occurred through the influence of Scottish culture and the integration of Scottish surnames into English-speaking contexts during the medieval period.

Historically, the name Irving gained prominence in the 19th century, particularly through the works of the American author Washington Irving, who was active during the early 1800s. His literary contributions, including "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," helped to popularize the name in the literary world. Additionally, the name has been associated with various notable figures throughout history, including politicians and military leaders, which further solidified its presence in English-speaking societies.

Culturally, the name Irving carries connotations of friendship and loyalty, reflective of its etymological roots. It has been embraced in various artistic and cultural contexts, often symbolizing a connection to heritage and tradition. The name has also seen variations and diminutives, such as "Irv," which have emerged in informal settings. Overall, Irving encapsulates a blend of natural imagery and historical significance, contributing to its enduring legacy in the English language.

Trend Summary

Irving has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline in usage since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Irvin
  • Ervin

International Variants

  • Irvin (English)
  • Irving (Scottish)

Famous people named Irving

Irving Berlin was a composer and lyricist best known for White Christmas, God Bless America, and Annie Get Your Gun.

Irving Stone was an author best known for Lust for Life, The Agony and the Ecstasy, and The President's Lady.

Irving Thalberg was a film producer best known for his work on The Broadway Melody, Mutiny on the Bounty, and The Good Earth.

Irving Kristol was a writer and editor best known for his role in founding The Public Interest and his contributions to neoconservatism.

Irving Babbitt was a literary critic and educator best known for his works on humanism and his book Literature and the American College.

Fictional characters named Irving

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Irving was first seen in the United States in 1880. Irving has ranked as high as #251 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. In the past 5 years the name Irving has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Irving (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 25
45%
TX 19
35%
AZ 6
11%
IL 5
9%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188060
188160
188261
188346
188480
188578
188660
188755
188889
188965
189069
189175
189259
189395
1894102
1895110
189687
189798
1898113
189995
1900115
190180
1902104
1903125
1904159
1905148
1906170
1907196
1908225
1909202
1910272
1911431
1912815
1913862
19141,156
19151,385
19161,373
19171,470
19181,533
19191,440
19201,485
19211,417
19221,365
19231,384
19241,260
19251,174
19261,159
19271,021
1928879
1929754
1930643
1931583
1932508
1933408
1934422
1935353
1936340
1937338
1938322
1939322
1940292
1941317
1942296
1943325
1944267
1945266
1946277
1947320
1948290
1949283
1950298
1951286
1952253
1953243
1954248
1955247
1956219
1957228
1958207
1959174
1960201
1961197
1962170
1963158
1964139
1965111
1966121
1967133
1968122
1969114
1970132
1971103
1972102
197386
197469
197582
197677
197771
197879
197982
198091
198188
198277
198382
198474
198573
198684
1987109
1988304
1989222
1990220
1991340
1992255
1993187
1994211
1995165
1996152
1997131
1998127
1999140
2000191
2001160
2002187
2003214
2004183
2005176
2006181
2007179
2008159
2009139
2010139
2011121
2012115
2013129
2014113
2015100
2016139
2017141
2018123
2019120
202092
202194
2022104
202397
2024105