name
Common
Calvin
KAL-vihn
Calvin (name) means a male given name, notably borne by the French Protestant reformer John Calvin. Example: “Her son is named Calvin after his grandfather.”
name
1
A male given name, notably borne by the French Protestant reformer John Calvin.
"As Fire Island’s reputation grew, so did the fame of its residents. In 1977, after divorcing his first wife, Calvin Klein bought one of Gifford’s beachfront homes."
— Oliver Wainwright, ‘Made for sex’: the hedonistic party palaces of New York’s Fire Island – and the blond bombshell who made them (2025)
"Her son is named Calvin after his grandfather."
How to use Calvin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA first name, historically tied to the theologian John Calvin and the branch of Protestantism (Calvinism) named after him.
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Etymology
A Latinized form of the French surname Cauvin, originally a nickname for a bald man.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Calvin
See all rhymes for Calvin →Frequently asked questions
What does “Calvin” mean?
The word “Calvin” means a male given name, notably borne by the French Protestant reformer John Calvin. In plain terms, a first name, historically tied to the theologian John Calvin and the branch of Protestantism (Calvinism) named after him.
How do you pronounce “Calvin”?
“Calvin” is pronounced KAL-vihn (/ˈkælvɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Calvin” in a sentence?
Here is “Calvin” used in a sentence: “Her son is named Calvin after his grandfather.”
What part of speech is “Calvin”?
“Calvin” is a name.
Where does the word “Calvin” come from?
The word “Calvin” comes from Latin. A Latinized form of the French surname Cauvin, originally a nickname for a bald man.
Is “Calvin” a common word?
“Calvin” is a fairly common word in modern English.
Who is the most notable person named Calvin?
The name Calvin is notably borne by John Calvin, the French Protestant reformer. As a male given name, Calvin has been used for many individuals beyond this historical figure.
Is Calvin a common first name?
Calvin is a male given name that has been in use for centuries, historically tied to the reformer John Calvin. It continues to be used as a first name today.
