Orvin is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse elements 'or' meaning 'bear', and 'vinr' meaning 'friend'. It was introduced into England by the Anglo-Saxons but is today most commonly found in Sweden, where it ranks among the top 50 male names. The name Orvin has a strong and distinctive sound, making it a unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful moniker.
The name Orvin experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. It began with a steady increase from the early 1900s to its peak around World War I, with 45 births recorded in 1917. However, it rapidly declined afterwards, dropping to single-digit figures by the 1930s. Despite a slight resurgence in the late 1940s and 1950s, Orvin remained relatively uncommon throughout most of the 20th century. In recent years, it has seen a modest increase, with around 5 births annually since 2003. Overall, there have been a total of 1135 births named Orvin since 1890.