Log in · Sign up

Irwin Boy

Popularity: #907 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationUR-win / /ˈɪr.wɪn/

English; Irish

Meaning

English: sea friend; Irish: noble

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Irwin has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "ir" meaning "iron" and "win" meaning "friend" or "protector." This etymological combination suggests a literal meaning of "iron friend" or "friend of iron." The name evolved through various forms, appearing as "Irwyn" in Middle English before settling into its modern spelling. The transition into English likely occurred during the early medieval period, influenced by the Norman Conquest of 1066, which brought a variety of Old English names into broader usage alongside Norman French influences.

Historically, the name Irwin has been associated with notable figures, particularly in the British Isles. One significant milestone is the presence of the name in Scottish history, where it was borne by several notable clans and families. The name appears in various historical records, including the 12th century, where it is linked to the Scottish surname Irwin, which is derived from the place name Irvine in Ayrshire, Scotland. This connection to a geographical location contributed to the name's endurance and significance in Scottish heritage.

Culturally, the name Irwin has been imbued with a sense of strength and loyalty, reflecting its etymological roots. The notion of an "iron friend" resonates with themes of steadfastness and reliability, qualities that have been celebrated in various literary and historical contexts. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Irv" have emerged, though they are less commonly noted in historical texts. Overall, the name Irwin carries a legacy that intertwines linguistic origins with cultural and historical narratives, marking its presence across centuries.

Trend Summary

The name Irwin has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline in recent decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Erwin
  • Irwyn

International Variants

  • Irvin (Scottish)
  • Irvinus (Latin)

Famous people named Irwin

Irwin Allen is a producer and director best known for The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, and Land of the Giants.

Irwin Shaw is an author and playwright best known for The Young Lions, Rich Man, Poor Man, and The Sixteen Pleasures.

Irwin Winkler is a film producer and director best known for Rocky, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas.

Fictional characters named Irwin

Irwin is a fictional character from the animated series Ed, Edd n Eddy. He is a kind-hearted but somewhat clumsy boy who often finds himself in humorous situations with his friends.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Irwin was first seen in the United States in 1880. Irwin has ranked as high as #486 nationally, which occurred in 1925, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and New Jersey. In the past 5 years the name Irwin has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Irwin (2020)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188022
188128
188220
188328
188434
188512
188618
188721
188818
188922
189017
189114
189223
189320
189421
189539
189627
189733
189838
189926
190032
190124
190223
190324
190440
190530
190638
190730
190843
190953
191049
191156
1912126
1913125
1914187
1915261
1916244
1917254
1918292
1919308
1920333
1921329
1922362
1923406
1924487
1925527
1926463
1927519
1928508
1929499
1930486
1931468
1932399
1933368
1934364
1935382
1936368
1937289
1938233
1939245
1940229
1941207
1942232
1943187
1944168
1945186
1946175
1947179
1948150
1949138
1950146
1951144
1952139
1953113
1954120
1955107
1956104
1957100
195881
195985
196087
196188
196256
196366
196465
196557
196644
196734
196838
196941
197034
197131
197219
197328
197432
197529
197626
197722
197817
197926
198030
198132
198221
198323
198440
198530
198619
198721
198843
198950
199044
199161
199256
199344
199434
199537
199641
199732
199835
199936
200038
200136
200243
200336
200440
200530
200644
200747
200832
200918
201025
201127
201226
20139
201412
201518
201616
201712
201820
201920
202019
202116
202213
20236
202417