Trevor Name Meaning (Origin, Popularity & Nicknames)

Trevor is a name that manages to feel both rugged and refined, bridging the gap between a sturdy surname and a friendly, approachable first name. It carries a distinctive “90s cool” energy, similar to names like Travis or Tyler, but maintains a timeless quality that prevents it from feeling strictly tied to a single decade. There is a sense of reliability to the name; it sounds like a person you can trust, whether they are a creative artist or a star athlete.

While it has Welsh roots signifying a “large homestead,” the vibe of Trevor today is less about geography and more about personality. It feels energetic yet grounded. It is not as ubiquitous as it was twenty years ago, which actually works in its favor today.

Verdict: Trevor is an excellent choice for a baby born in 2025 because it hits the “sweet spot” of familiarity without overuse. It is easily spelled, universally recognized, and carries a confident masculinity that doesn’t need to try too hard.

Trevor Overview

• Meaning: The meaning of the name Trevor comes from the words “tre” and “fawr,” meaning homestead and large.
• Gender: The name Trevor is most frequently used as a boy’s name.
• Origin: Trevor comes of Welsh origin and is a variation of the Welsh surname Trefor.
• Pronunciation: “TREH-VahR”
• Popularity: Trevor is a popular name and has ranked in the top 100 boy names 21 times since the 19th century.
• Nicknames: Teddy, Trapper, Tre, Trev, Trevy, Trey.
• Variations: Treabhar, Trebor, Trefor, Trevares, Trevaris, Trevarus, Trever.
• Namesakes: Trevor Donavan, TV Actor; Trevor Lawrence, NFL Quarterback.

In This Article

• Meaning
• Where Does the Name Trevor Come From?
• Popularity
• Pronunciation
• Gender
• Variations
• Nicknames
• Names Similar to Trevor
• Middle Names
• Sibling Names
• Famous People
• In Popular Culture
• FAQs About the Name Trevor

What Does Trevor Mean?

The name Trevor has a long history as a surname, but in today’s culture, it is much more popular as a given name. At its core, the name represents stability and community. The name Trevor has several meanings, all of which relate to the word homestead in some form.

Most etymologists translate the name to mean “of the large homestead or settlement” (1). This definition is the composition of two words: “tref,” meaning homestead or town, and “fawr,” meaning large or great. Therefore, a “Trevor” was originally someone who hailed from the big village or the great estate.

Where Does the Name Trevor Come From?

The name Trevor comes of Welsh origin. It is a variation of the name Trefor, a Welsh surname that combines the Welsh language words mentioned above. It was used as a place name long before it was applied to people.

Historically, the name Trevor has been used by Welsh families since as early as the 10th century, often denoting families of high standing who held large estates. It did not become popular among English speakers as a first name until the 19th and 20th centuries.

The name Trevor also has roots in Irish origin and is thought to be an Anglicized version of O Treabhair, which is Gaelic for a descendant of Treabhar. It is possible that O Treabhair also traces back to the Welsh version of the name (2).

How Popular Is the Name Trevor?

Trevor has enjoyed a fascinating trajectory in the United States. It is what we call a “modern classic.” It exploded in popularity during the late 1980s and 1990s, becoming a defining name for that generation.

Trevor has been a popular name in the United States for at least the past two decades, though it has fallen off somewhat from its peak popularity as the 75th most chosen boys’ name in 2000. Last year it was the 459th most popular name for boys in the US, according to the Social Security Administration (3).

This decline is actually good news for modern parents. It means the name is known by everyone but is no longer “trendy,” so your child won’t likely share the name with three other boys in his kindergarten class. Among boy names starting with the letter T, Trevor sits at rank number 13 under other popular boy names like Thomas and Tyler.

How Do I Pronounce Trevor?

The name Trevor has two syllables and is intuitive to read and say. The official pronunciation of the name Trevor in English is TREH-ver.

While the standard pronunciation ends in a soft “er” sound, some people put a greater emphasis on the letter o and pronounce it like the word “or,” sounding like TREH-vor.

Is Trevor a Boy or Girl Name?

Trevor has traditionally been used as a first name for boys. While it is also commonly used as a gender-neutral surname, it has not yet made the crossover into the “unisex” category for first names in the way names like Parker or Riley have. It remains a distinctly masculine choice. If you want to put a spin on it for your baby girl, check out the list of variations that we’ve provided for you below.

Variations of Trevor

There are many variations of the name Trevor depending on the language and region. If you like this name but want something slightly different, consider these:

• Trefor: The original Welsh spelling.
• Trevar: A modern phonetic spelling.
• Treabhar: The Irish/Gaelic variation.
• Trebor: A palindrome spelling (Robert spelled backward).
• Trevorrow: A Cornish surname variant.
• Trever: An alternative English spelling.

Nicknames for Trevor

It is always a good idea to consider some of the possible nicknames for any given name. Here are a few nicknames for the name Trevor, ranging from the obvious to the creative:

Common Nicknames

• Trev: The most standard, effortless short form.
• Trey: A sleek, one-syllable option.
• T: Simple and sporty.

Creative & Rare Nicknames

• Rev: Pulled from the middle of the name, this sounds edgy and automotive.
• T-Rex: A fun, playful nickname for a young energetic boy.
• Trover: An affectionate twist on the name.

Names Similar to Trevor

The name Trevor has a unique “soft surname” vibe. If you love Trevor but want to explore other options with a similar sound or style, consider these:

• Travis: Shares the “Tr” start and the surname history.
• Tyler: A similar era hit with a T-initial.
• Trent: Shorter, punchier, but with the same energetic sound.
• Spencer: Another surname-turned-first-name with a gentle but masculine feel.
• Connor: Shares the two-syllable, “er” ending rhythm.
• Parker: A slightly more modern take on the occupational surname trend.
• Carter: A top-ranking surname choice.
• Jasper: shares the “r” ending but feels more vintage.
• Tanner: Very close in style and popularity era to Trevor.
• Sawyer: A literary, adventurous alternative.

Middle Names for Trevor

Finding the perfect middle name is about balance. Since Trevor is a two-syllable name ending in a consonant, it pairs well with a variety of styles.

Classic Middle Names

These names ground Trevor in tradition and sound very sophisticated on a resume.

• Trevor Alexander
• Trevor James
• Trevor William
• Trevor Daniel
• Trevor Joseph

Modern & Edgy Middle Names

If you want to spice up the name, these one-syllable or modern options add a cool factor.

• Trevor Beau
• Trevor Jude
• Trevor Dean
• Trevor Fox
• Trevor Cole

Soft & Literary Middle Names

• Trevor Atticus
• Trevor Grant
• Trevor Hayes
• Trevor Reid
• Trevor Elliot

Sibling Names for Trevor

Parents of multiples can understand the importance of sibling names. You want names that sound like they belong in the same family era and style.

For a Brother

These names share Trevor’s approachable, reliable masculinity.

• Adam
• Derek
• Elijah
• Garrett
• Oliver
• Mateo
• Colin

For a Sister

These names are feminine but strong, matching Trevor’s solid presence.

• Avery
• Natalie
• Hazel
• Grace
• Paige
• Charlie
• Lucy

Famous People Named Trevor

Although not incredibly important in choosing a name, it can be fun to know that you share a name with a celebrity. Here are a few famous people named Trevor who have made their mark:

• Trevor Noah: The South African comedian and former host of The Daily Show, known for his sharp wit and global perspective.
• Trevor Lawrence: An American football quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, known for his standout collegiate career at Clemson.
• Trevor Donovan: An American actor and model, best known for his role in 90210.
• Trevor Bauer: A professional baseball pitcher known for his analytical approach to the game.
• Trevor Moore: An American comedian and actor, co-founder of the comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U’ Know.

Trevor in Popular Culture

As cool as it is to share a name with someone famous, sometimes it can be even more fun to recognize your name in popular culture. Check out these examples:

• Trevor: Perhaps the most famous toad in literature, he was Neville Longbottom’s often-lost pet in the Harry Potter series.
• Trevor Slattery: A character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in Iron Man 3 and Shang-Chi.
• Trevor McKinney: The main character in the movie Pay It Forward, who launches a goodwill movement.
• Trevor Reznik: The protagonist of the psychological thriller The Machinist.

FAQs About the Name Trevor

If you’re looking for some additional information about the Welsh name Trevor, keep reading to find the answers to common questions below.

Does the name Trevor appear in the Bible?

The name Trevor does not appear in the Bible at all. Although it is popular in both Christian and Catholic families, it’s not a biblical given name.

Is Trevor also a Cornish name?

The name Trevor is most commonly associated with Welsh origin, although it does have a lesser-known Cornish heritage. The Cornish equivalent of Trevor is Trevorrow. The name also has Gaelic roots.

What is the Expression Number of the name Trevor?

In numerology, the Expression Number of the name Trevor is 8. The number 8 signifies the ability to accomplish great things in life. Those named Trevor may find success in their field and always strive to be the best, boasting competitive traits. Those named Trevor enjoy a challenge.

Is the name Trevor considered dated?

While Trevor had its highest peak in the late 1990s, it is not considered “dated” in the same way names like Gary or Larry might be. It falls into a category of “modern classics” or “Dad names” that are familiar and safe. It is less trendy than it used to be, but that makes it a unique choice for a modern baby.

Can Trevor be a girl’s name?

Technically, any name can be used for any gender, but Trevor is overwhelmingly used for boys. There is virtually no statistical data of it ranking for girls in the US. If you want a similar sound for a girl, names like Treva, Clover, or River might be better alternatives.

What are the personality traits associated with the name Trevor?

Based on its etymology (“large homestead”) and numerology (8), Trevor is often associated with stability, leadership, and protection. People with this name are often perceived as grounded, reliable, and family-oriented, with a hidden competitive streak that helps them succeed in business or athletics.

How do you spell Trevor in Spanish?

Trevor is a proper noun of Welsh origin, so it does not change spelling when used in Spanish; it remains “Trevor.” However, the pronunciation may change slightly with the rolling of the “r” and a softer “v” sound, sounding more like “Tre-bor” depending on the regional dialect.

Is Trevor a royal name?

Trevor is not traditionally a name used by the British Royal Family for kings or princes, unlike George or Charles. However, Lord Trevor is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, so the name does have historical ties to aristocracy and landed gentry in Britain.

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