What does Baldwin mean?

Baldwin as a boys' name is of Old French and Old German origin, and the meaning of Baldwin is "bold, brave friend". Adopted by the Normans and introduced by them to Britain. In the Middle Ages, it was rather common, and gave rise to a surname. It was borne by Norman Crusader Baldwin of Boulogne, who was elected first king of Jerusalem in 1100. It continued to be used by some families in England into the 17th century, but in modern times it usually represents a transferred use of the surname rather than a direct revival of the Norman given name. Baudoin is a royal name in Belgium. Author James Baldwin.

STARTS/ENDS WITH Ba-, -win

ASSOCIATED WITH friend, surname, norman, 17th century, modern

Variations

VARIANTS Bald, Baldewin, Baldovino, Balduin, Balduino, Baldwinn, Baldwyn, Baldwynn, Balldwin, Baudoin

How popular is Baldwin?

Baldwin is an uncommonly occurring first name for males but a very prominent last name for both adults and children (#361 out of 150436, Top 1%). (2000 U.S. CENSUS)

Similar Names

Baldwin is alike in pronunciation to Belden and Beldon. Other recommended sound-alike names are Aldrin, Aldwin, Alwin, Aylwin, Balbi, Balbino, Balder, Balderic, Balderik (see Baldric), Baldie, Baldor, Baldric, Baldrick, Baldur, Barden, Bardon, Bardric, Bartin, Baudric, Berwin, Bodin, Boltin, Bordin, Bowdoin, Bowin, Bradin, Braidin, Brandin, Caidin, Calvin, Camdin, Cardin, Caydin, Colwin, Dallin▼, Dalvwin (see Delvin), Darwin, Dellwin, Delwin, Eadin, Edwin▼, Eldwin, Elwin▼, Galin, Gallvin (see Galvin), Galvin, Garwin, Gladwin, Godwin, Goldewin (see Goldwin), Goldwin, Haddin, Hadwin, Hardin, Hardwin, Hedwin, Jalin, Kadin▼, Kaidin, Kalin, Kaydin, Landin▼, Malin, Mallin, Malvin, Marwin, Medwin, Melwin, Nalin, Selwin, Slawin (see Slavin), Talfrin (see Talfryn) and Walwin. These names tend to be more commonly used than Baldwin.