Elvin

Elvin (like Alvin) is a modern rendition of an Olde English personal name, Ælfwine, from the elements “ælf” meaning “elf” and “wine” meaning “friend”. Elvin may have also developed from two other old Anglo-Saxon names: Æðelwine (noble friend) or Ealdwine (old friend). Ælfwine was the name of a 7th century Anglo-Saxon king of Deria (a sub-kingdom within Northumbria), so we can pretty much attest to the ancient usage of this name. Ælfwine was also chosen by author J. R. R. Tolkien for one of his earlier fictional characters; he used the name specifically in reference to the “elf friend” etymology. Elves (sometimes interchangeable with dwarfs and faeries) featured prominently in early Germanic/Nordic mythology as possessors of certain magical powers. The elf could use his supernatural powers to either benefit or hinder human progress depending on his mood (although the little devils evolved with more sinister powers in later folklore). As a result, the Olde English “ælf” component was commonly used in the creation of Old Anglo-Saxon personal names (many of which have survived the test of time): Ælfræd "Elf-counsel" (Alfred), Ælfwine "Elf-friend" (Alvin/Elvin), Ælfric "Elf-ruler" (Eldridge), Alberich “King of the elves” (Aubrey). And here’s another interesting little factoid: “ælfsogoða” was the Olde English word for “hiccups”, a condition believed to have been caused by elves. Over many centuries of usage, Ælfwine would eventually morph into Alvin/Elvin in modern English. Both Alvin and Elvin are still used with respectable regularity in Sweden. Elsewhere, however, these names have fallen from fashionable use.