Devlin
First Name Meaning, Usage, Popularity & Related Names
Devlin is an Irish name meaning “descendant of the fierce one”. It is a common name, overwhelmingly used for boys, with 99.47% male usage.
Meaning & Origin of the name Devlin
Devlin is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname O Doibhilin. The etymological roots connect the name to the Gaelic words dubh, meaning black, and the diminutive suffix -lin, often interpreted as referring to a descendant of a dark-haired or fierce individual. Historically, this family name originated in the province of Ulster and was associated with significant septs in the Tir Eoghain region. It represents the consolidation of Celtic descriptive epithets into formal family designations during the early medieval period.
Meaning Comments
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Gender Usage of the Name Devlin
Overall Gender Classification Methodology
Devlin is overwhelmingly used as a name for boys. Approximately 99.47% of recorded bearers are male. This classification is supported by extensive records and is considered highly reliable.
Popularity of the Name Devlin
Note: Green bars show popularity (% of births); the violet line shows historical ranking. Data is based on official government birth records. Click any chart to view details by year and region.
Overall PopularityMethodology
Devlin is listed under Common Boy Names worldwide. Its overall popularity is supported by stronger usage in United Kingdom across the available regional markets.
| Region | Popularity | Birth Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Uncommon | 1 in every 211K births |
| United Kingdom | Common | 1 in every 96K births |
| Canada | Common | 1 in every 141K births |
| Australia | Common | 1 in every 396K births |
Ranking OverviewMethodology
Devlin ranked #9,650 on the Popular Boys’ Names Worldwide List (2025). It fell from #3,680 in 2024 — a drop of 5,970 places. Devlin shows meaningful recent movement in rank, though it remains uncommon overall.
Historically, its best recorded position was #446 in 2003. Its lowest recorded position was #9,650 in 2025. Over the last 7 years (2018–2025) the name fell -4814 places (from #4,836 to #9,650).
Name StyleMethodology
Devlin is classified as Vintage Boy Names because its historical peak was 2003, followed by a decline to 0% of that peak and a recent recovery to 3x the preceding level.Characteristics of the Name Devlin
Pronunciation & StructureMethodology
- Phonetic Source
- CMU
- Syllables
- 2 syllables — Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Length
- 6 letters — Medium-Length Boy Names
- Starts with
- D — Boy Names Starting with D
- Ends with
- n — Boy Names Ending in “n”
Name AestheticMethodology
Devlin employs a trochaic stress pattern across two syllables, providing a rhythmic weight that feels anchored and resilient. It carries the weight of Bernadette Devlin, a prominent figure in 20th-century political activism, which lends the name a firm authority. These elements combine to define a Strong & Powerful aesthetic.
Middle Names For Devlin
Middle names used with DevlinMethodology
Devlin is most frequently used with these boy middle names: Devlin Michael · Devlin Patrick · Devlin Alexander · Devlin Antwan · Devlin RichardView all 39 boy middle names.
- Total 48 middle names used with Devlin
- 4 girl middle names used with Devlin
- 5 unisex middle names used with Devlin
Middle name suggestions for DevlinMethodology
Based on observed first-middle-name pattern combinations, Devlin is most frequently associated with boy middle names that have 2 syllables, Strong–Weak stress pattern, 5 letters, and a starting sound of “m”.
Examples: Devlin Malik · Devlin Micah · Devlin Monte · Devlin Myron · Devlin Mikel. View all 76 suggested middle names.
Names Similar to Devlin
Sound Like Devlin Finder
Names with the exact same overall pronunciation and sound: Devlan · Devlen · Devilin
Spelled Like Devlin Finder
Names with similar spelling patterns and letter sequences: Devilin · Devlan · Devlen · View all 4 names
Same Starting Sound Finder
Names that begin with a similar phonetic sound: David · Daniel · Donald · View all Top 100 names
Rhymes With Devlin Finder
Names that share similar ending sounds and rhymes: John · Steven · Kevin · View all Top 100 names
Same Rhythm & Syllables Finder
Names with matching syllable stress and pronunciation rhythm: Robert · Michael · William · View all Top 100 names
Dictionary & Etymology of “Devlin”
Dictionary Meaning of "Devlin"Methodology
A surname from Irish
Alternative Forms
More Info
How to Spell Devlin in ASL
- D
- e
- v
- l
- i
- n
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