National Hug a Kevin Day is a holiday that is celebrated on October 10 every year. Yes, this is definitely an unusual holiday that sounds like somebody made a mistake somewhere, but that is not the case. The day does have some fun and interesting antecedents, which includes its association with a U.S. TV show that ran for just one season.
History of National Hug a Kevin Day
The history of National Hug a Kevin Day can be traced back to several famous Kevins, the first of which was Saint Kevin in 6th-century Ireland. He was an interesting individual that did a lot of good in the Kingdom of Leinster, he is also one of the several patron saints of the Archdiocese of Dublin.Fast forward in time and you would see that the name Kevin became quite popular around the 20th century. This was especially true in the 1950s, and it was attributed to the rise to stardom of the actor Kevin McCarthy.The same trend held true for the name Kevin in the United States when it was declared as the 11th most popular name in 1963. This did not last for long, though, as it plummeted to the 89th most popular boys name in 2016.The Kevin name fared better in Germany in 1991. This rise in popularity was attributed to the titular character in the hugely successful movie “Home Alone.” Kevin McAllister, played by Macaulay Culkin, seemed to have pranked his way into the hearts of many parents.In more recent times, National Hug a Kevin Day can be connected to a little-known show in the United States. “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World” ran in the U.S. for one season and the titular character Kevin Finn, played by Jason Ritter, broke the Guinness World Record for the most hugs in a minute by one individual. The showrunners, ABC, then declared October 10 as National Hug a Kevin Day to drum up publicity for the show.
National Hug a Kevin Day timeline
Saint Kevin, a renowned monk and hermit, opens a monastery in Ireland.
Sammy Davis Jr. pulled a “hug from behind” on President Nixon at the Republican National Convention.
This TV network in the U.S. declares October 10 as National Hug a Kevin Day to build awareness for their show “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World.”
The Helen Woodward Animal Centre, in 2008, renames all of their adoptable puppies Kevin so they can be adopted
National Hug a Kevin Day FAQs
Which day is Friends Hug Day?
January 21 is celebrated as National Hugging Day to show your friends and family how much you care about them.
Is National Hug a Kevin Day only for Kevins?
National Hug a Kevin Day was created especially for Kevins, but you can show other people around you the love and hug them tightly.
Why is there a National Hug a Kevin Day?
It is a celebration that encourages people to hug any Kevin around them. It is wholesome and fun.
How to Celebrate National Hug a Kevin Day
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Make a Kevin mood board
This is a fun one. Why don’t you cut or print out pictures of famous Kevins and make a mood board? You can choose from the likes of Kevin Hart, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Costner, Kevin Love and so many more.
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Hug a Kevin
This one needs little explaining. It is National Hug a Kevin Day, so, go hug a Kevin! It is prudent to ask for permission first though.
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Be Kevin for the day
You can try out the Kevin name for the day. Go out and introduce yourself as Kevin, see how it feels.
5 Facts About Kevins That Will Blow Your Mind
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The Kevin rank
The name ‘Kevin’ ranks at number 156 on the most popular masculine names list in the U.S. as of the year 2020.
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Kevin the monk
The earliest known Kevin was St. Kevin who was a monk in 6th-century Ireland.
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Lots of Kevins
In the United States, there are over 1.5 million Kevins.
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Handsome Kevin
In Ireland, when you hear the name Kevin, it means ‘handsome by birth.’
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The peak of the name’s popularity
In 1963, the popularity of the name ‘Kevin’ peaked at number 11 on the list of most popular names in the U.S.
Why We Love National Hug a Kevin Day
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It makes people hug
This holiday is great because it involves a lot of hugging. Who doesn’t love a good ol’ hug?
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Kevin got a TV show
“Kevin (Probably) Saves the World” was a TV show that aired in the U.S. The show’s titular character, Kevin, got a whole lot of hugs, and he even broke a Guinness World Record. Well, he did try to save the world, so he probably needed it.
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Hugging is healthy
Getting a warm and meaningful hug can do wonders for your mood and mental health. We love National Hug a Kevin Day because it is a day that puts hugging in the spotlight, and one when you can get a random hug, Kevin or not.
National Hug a Kevin Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 10 | Monday |
| 2023 | October 10 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | October 10 | Thursday |
| 2025 | October 10 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 10 | Saturday |
