Kevin

Meaning: Its source is Caoimhin, an Irish Gaelic name meaning "Handsome beloved."

Origin: "Caoimhin."

Languages: This boy's name is used in Dutch and English.

Alternative Spellings: Cevin, Keven and Kevyn

Variant Forms: Kevan

Feminine Forms: Caoimhe, Keva and Kevina

Source Forms: Caoimhin

Popularity: The name Kevin ranked 31st in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics, 23rd in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census and 23rd in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1994 US Census.

This name is highly rated both on the 1990 U.S. Census list and in state data recording the most popular baby names.

Narrative: This name's expression of admiration and affection could be specific to the newborn, more like ''handsome baby.''

St. Kevin is one of the patron saints of Dublin, Ireland. His name was not commonly used outside of Ireland until the 1920s. Since then, it has gained and maintained popularity in the U.S., and may get a further boost from the fame of actor-producer-director Kevin Costner.

Arts and Music

Kevin Roche
- 1993 American Institute of Architects gold medal winner (see list of Winners of the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal)
Kevin Rowland
American singer.
- Musical guest on ''''Saturday Night Live'''' (see list of Musical Guests on ''Saturday Night Live'')

Miscellaneous

Kevin Costner (born 1955)
American actor, director and producer.
- 1997 gross earnings: $20 million (see list of Top-paid Stars)
- 1996 gross earnings: $22 million (see list of Top-paid Stars)
- 1998 gross earnings: $41 million (see list of Top-paid Stars)

Science and Philosophy

Kevin B. Chilton (born 1954)
American astronaut.
- Astronaut on Endeavour (1992, 1994), Atlantis (1996) (see list of Spaceflight Veterans)
Kevin R. Kregel (born 1956)
American astronaut.
- Astronaut on Discovery (1995), Columbia (1996, 1997) (see list of Spaceflight Veterans)

Sports

Kevin Berry
Australian athlete.
- 1964 Olympic swimming gold medal winner for 200m butterfly (see list of Olympic Gold Medalists in Miscellaneous Swimming Events)
Kevin Mitchell
Baseball player.
- 1989 National League Most Valuable Player (see list of National League Most Valuable Players)
Kevin Young
American athlete.
- 1992 Olympic track and field gold medal winner for 400m Hurdles (see list of Olympic Gold Medalists in Hurdles)

Stage and Screen

Kevin Buchanan
Fictional character.
- Character on the soap opera ''''One Life to Live'''' (see list of Characters on ''One Life to Live'')
Kevin Collins
Fictional character.
- Character on the soap opera ''''General Hospital'''' (see list of Characters on ''General Hospital'')
Kevin Costner (born 1955)
American actor, director and producer.
- 1990 Academy Award winner for Dances With Wolves (see list of Oscar Winners for Best Director)
Kevin Hagen
- Portrayed Dr. Hiram Baker (see list of Actors on ''Little House on the Prairie'')
Kevin
Fictional character.
- Portrayed by Michael Rapaport (see list of Characters in the film Mighty Aphrodite)
Kevin Kline (born 1947)
American actor and director.
- 1981 Tony Award winner for his performance in The Pirates of Penzance (see list of Tony Winners for Best Actor in a Musical)
- 1988 Academy Award winner for his performance in A Fish Called Wanda (see list of Oscar Winners for Best Supporting Actor)
Kevin McClatchy
- Actor on soap opera ''''Another World'''' (see list of Performers on ''Another World'')
Kevin Nealon (born 1953)
American actor and comedian.
- A cast member on ''''Saturday Night Live,'''' from 1986-1991 and 1993-1995 (see list of Saturday Night Live)
Kevin Osgood
- 1990s Mouseketeer (see list of 1990s Mickey Mouse Club)
Kevin Spacey (born 1959)
American actor, director and producer.
- 1999 Academy Award winner for American Beauty (see list of Oscar Winners for Best Actor)
- 1995 Academy Award winner for his performance in The Usual Suspects (see list of Oscar Winners for Best Supporting Actor)