Revision History

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4/25/2021, 10:07 PM Mike C update #110
11/16/2019, 11:04 AM Mike C update #105
7/2/2017, 10:39 PM Mike C update #95
2/12/2007, 1:03 AM Mike C earliest recorded revision

Gender Masculine
Usage English
Pronounced Pron. KAL-vin

Meaning & History

Derived from the French surname Cauvin, which was derived from chauve meaning "bald". The surname was borne by Jean Cauvin (1509-1564), a theologian from France who was one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. His surname was Latinized as Calvinus (based on Latin calvus "bald") and he is known as John Calvin in English. It has been used as a given name in his honour since the 19th century.

In modern times, this name is borne by American fashion designer Calvin Klein (1942-), as well as one of the main characters from Bill Watterson's comic strip Calvin and Hobbes (published from 1985 to 1995).