Caoimhín

Caoimhín is an Irish given name, the Gaelic form of the English name Kevin. It is usually regarded as deriving from the Old Irish Caomhín, formed from the root caomh meaning gentle, kind, or comely, with the diminutive suffix -ín. The result is commonly interpreted as “little noble one” or “little gentle one,” reflecting affectionate and respectful usage in Irish.

The name is closely associated with Saint Caoimhín, known in English as Saint Kevin, a 6th-century monk and the founder of the monastery at Glendalough in County Wicklow. The saint’s fame helped to preserve and popularize the name in Ireland, especially within Gaelic-speaking communities.

In contemporary usage, Caoimhín remains a traditional male name in Ireland and among Irish speakers. Outside Ireland, the anglicized form Kevin is far more common, while Caoimhín may be retained in Irish-language contexts or among those with a strong Irish identity. The spelling with diacritical marks reflects Irish orthography and pronunciation, distinguishing it from the English form Kevin.