Alvin is of German origin, meaning 'noble friend'. It was introduced to England by the Normans and was quite popular during the Middle Ages. In the United States, Alvin gained significant popularity in the late 19th century.
"Alvin was quite popular in those years; five babies were named Alvin annually from 1958 to 1959, and again in 1964, leading to a total of fifteen Alvin births during that period."