Depending on the country, the same first name can have a strong connotation, or not at all on the contrary. We have a nice illustration of this phenomenon with the first name « Kevin ». As much as the name Kevin can be connoted, “working class » or even “beauf” (kind of vulgar) in France, it has absolutely no connotation in Ireland. It is even almost the archetype of the Irish male given name.
For the record, St Kevin (6th century), one of the founding fathers of Catholic Ireland, had a reputation for being extremely handsome and extremely devout. He led an ascetic life and was very close to the animals. If you have the chance to go to the Wicklows, you will find an hour’ drive from Dublin the exceptional park of Glendalough, whose ruins towers and crosses bear witness to the ancient monastic community of St Kevin. Like the Grande Chartreuse, the site is magnificent, with a very special atmosphere and conducive to superb hikes. A word to the wise..
Cahiers d'Irlande 