Irving is a name of English origin, derived from the Germanic name Eiric or Eirikr. The meaning of Irving is "strong" or "powerful," which is fitting for someone with this name as it implies a certain level of strength and power.
The name Irving has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was first used by the Vikings, who named their sons Eiric in honor of the Norse god Freyr. Over time, the name evolved and was eventually anglicized to Irving.
One famous bearer of this name is Washington Irving (1783-1859), an American writer known for his short stories such as "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." These works helped establish him as one of the first American writers to gain international acclaim. Another notable figure with the name Irving is Harold Irving Bloch (1927-2015), an American computer scientist who made significant contributions to the field of computing.
In conclusion, Irving is a strong and powerful name with a rich history dating back centuries. It has been worn by many notable figures throughout history, making it a respected choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Irving experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable rise from the late 19th to early 20th century and a decline thereafter. The peak occurred in 1917 with 1533 births, marking an increase of over 20 times compared to the annual average at the start of the period (around 60 births per year). However, by the end of the dataset in 2023, Irving was given to only 97 babies, indicating a substantial decrease in popularity.