On the heels of Wesley, we have another theologian’s surname to consider. Though in recent years, he’s far more famous as the name of a six year old comic strip hero, a legendary baseball player or a trailblazing brand of designer denim.
Thanks to Another for suggesting today’s Name of the Day: Calvin.
Calvin’s tale is a quirky one. Jean Cauvin was born in France back in the early 1500s. He’d become an important part of the Protestant Reformation, known especially for his Institutes of the Christian Religion. As the founder of the Calvinist movement, John Calvin’s influence is still felt today. His surname was initially adopted by adherents and admirers looking for a meaningful choice for their sons.
In French, Calvin is based on the word chauve, or bald, from the Latin calvus. Calvus appears in ancient Rome, most notably through Gaius Licinius Macer Calvus, a poet active in the first century BC. But the name has little history of use in the front spot prior to the 1800s. It has, of course, been a popular surname for generations. Some little Calvins were likely wearing their mother’s maiden names, regardless of religious leanings.
To modern parents, Calvin probably brings to mind a comic strip character. It’s worth noting that creator Bill Watterson chose his hero’s name – and that of the boy’s stuffed tiger companion, Hobbes – to reflect the two philosophical points of view implied by the names. It’s whimsical and brainy at once. But while parents do find inspiration in plenty of animated characters – Disney princesses, anyone? – Calvin has not enjoyed a boost due to his popularity in the funny pages.
Two other famous Calvins come to mind. First, there’s Calvin Klein, responsible for sparking the designer denim trend in the mid-70s. Today, his name represents a powerful brand. With Chanel and Armani both ranking in the US Top 1000 last year, it’s not unthinkable that a fashion force could inspire a naming trend.
There’s also Calvin Coolidge, thirtieth President of the United States. His Oval Office cred doesn’t seem to help the name, either.
Instead, Calvin seems to be steadily falling. He cracked the Top 50 back in 1924 and 1925, but has not fared well in recent years. While he remains a respectable #230, we’re not quite sure how to think about Calvin. Has he farther to fall, or could he be due for a comeback? The 20s are a funny place in naming style – Harold and Ralph were big, but so were Jack and Leo.
We must admit, the nickname Cal appeals to us. Cal Ripken, Jr. lends the name an athletic and capable air. Ripken’s reputation as a charitable, upstanding citizen helps, too – unlike some names of sporting legends, we’ve little fear he’ll turn up in the tabloids.
On balance, we’d class Calvin with Walter – perhaps a touch on the clunky side, but that’s part of what makes him interesting and distinctive.
I think of Calvin as much more modern than Walter. My girls go to school with two Calvins, one in each of their classes, and there’s a little Benjamin in our afterschool group, and his twin little siblings are Calvin and Celeste. They’re so adorable! Benji, Cal, and Cel are great nicknames, IMO. I love them together
Calvin was our frontrunner for a long time – but I never could get on board with Cal as a nickname. Maybe it’s because I hate the Orioles; maybe it’s just the sound of Cal; it killed the name Calvin for me. I could insist on always calling him Calvin (as does my friend with her Benjamin) but there would always be someone somewhere that would try to call him Cal, and that was not worth it to me. So we settled on Ethan (my favorite!), though hubby held out for a long time. As for our inspiration in the first place? It was assuredly little Calvin of the comic book fame – and I’m not ashamed to admit it!
Yeah, I like Calvin. I’d put him with Arthur, Leo, Henry, Wesley & Francis/Frank. (Now there’s one I would love to see, how adorable would Frankie be on a three year old?) Stuffy but not tied too tightly. And I fully expect to see a few Harolds in my neck of the woods within the next 5 years, Hal is a mighty appealing little nickname.
Cal is perfectly lovely. Sporty, powerful and fun. I actually know of two Calvins around here, I run into them at the mall occasionally as well as the local park. One blonde, one raven dark, it equally suits both. I would think Calvin could also suit a redhead. And I could hope he’d be as bright as the comic Calvin (if a bit less troublesome)!
Calvin’s simple, sweet & strong. Perfectly masculine but not too much so (no Hunter/Cutter/Gunner for me, thank you very much!) and a gentleman too. I can see him pleasing Mom for his softness and Pop for his strength. If the comic strip Calvin wasn’t quite a bit like Leo, (and I don’t know if I could weather another Leo at 41!) I’d consider him for myself. As is, He’s on the list for Leo’s boys. I’d love having a Grandson named Calvin!
Calvin is fabulous! I love him because of his theological roots, because it was the name of one of my good college friends, and especially because it allows the nickname Cal (I went to UC Berkeley, which is often called “Cal” for short).
Unfortunately, my husband once had a teacher by this name who molested some of the little girls in his class, so that completely ruins it for us. (A name really can’t get more ruined than that, can it?)
I love the name Calvin. It’s so classic and cool. It’s a name Kevin liked too, but we ended up crossing off the list because it’s too close in sound to Kevin to use as a first name for comfort.
I have a 5 month old son called Calvin Alexander – and is so named after Bill Watterson’s ‘Calvin & Hobbes’.
I love the name and am quite happy that it isn’t in the ‘most popular’ list. People seem to be making up their own names these days and some are simply ridiculous. I think old fashioned names will be making a come back.
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My 18 month old son’s name is Calvin Dean. We got the name from Calvin and Hobbes and we absolutely love it
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I want our 3rd boy to be named Calvin- husband and I are still in discussion and have a few weeks left before we need to decide. I like it because it’s got the same feel as our other boys, isn’t trendy, and will suit them well through life. I’ve never really read Calvin and Hobbes but originally considered it because of John Calvin.
Three boys! Congratulations. Calvin has plenty of positive associations that trump the comic strip – and the comic strip association isn’t something that would bother a kid. A president, a theologian, a baseball legend … yeah, you can overlook the funny pages!
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