Irving

The name Irving has a dual origin. It can be a habitational surname derived from the Scottish place name Irvine, which means 'green river' (from the Old British elements *ir 'green, fresh' and *afon 'water, river'). Alternatively, it can be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Eireamhón, which has been interpreted as 'friend of the sea' or 'westerner'. The surname became prominent through the Scottish clan Irvine of Drum. In the United States, it gained popularity as a given name, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, partly due to the fame of American author Washington Irving.

Its usage as a given name in the United States is largely attributed to the admiration for Washington Irving, a celebrated American writer of the 19th century. This adoption of a surname as a first name was a common practice during that era. While its Scottish roots are strong, its American usage cemented its place as a recognizable male given name, though its popularity has waned in recent decades.