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Irving

Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Irving: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 1985.

Irving began as a Scottish habitational surname, derived from the place name Irvine in North Ayrshire—the river name itself is of obscure Celtic origin, possibly meaning "green water" or "fresh water." As a given name, it gained prominence through the legendary lion-tamer and circus impresario Sir Robert “Doc” Irving, but its most famous bearer is the American author Washington Irving, who wrote “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The name also connects to the town of Irving, Texas, named after the writer. In Scotland, the spelling variant “Irvine” remains more common, and the river Irvine flows through the town of the same name, adding a sense of natural heritage. Despite its Scottish roots, Irving peaked in popularity in the United States during the early 20th century.