If you are a fan of basketball, you might have wondered if Kyrie Irving and Julius Erving are related. After all, they share the same last name, play the same position, and have both dazzled fans with their amazing skills and athleticism. However, the truth is that Kyrie and Julius are not related by blood, but by coincidence.
The Origin of Kyrie Irving’s Name
Kyrie Irving was born on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia, to American parents Drederick and Elizabeth Irving. His father, Drederick, was a professional basketball player who played in Australia for the Bulleen Boomers. His mother, Elizabeth, was an indigenous Australian who died when Kyrie was four years old.
According to ESPN, Kyrie’s name was inspired by his father’s former teammate at Boston University, Kyrie McCormick. McCormick was a close friend of Drederick and a godfather to Kyrie. He also helped Drederick cope with the loss of his wife.
Kyrie’s surname, Irving, is of Scottish origin and means “green water”. It is derived from the name of a river in Scotland. According to Ancestry.com, Irving is a common surname in Scotland and northern England.
The Origin of Julius Erving’s Name
Julius Erving was born on February 22, 1950, in Roosevelt, New York, to Julius and Callie Erving. His father, Julius Sr., was a landscaper who left the family when Julius Jr. was three years old. His mother, Callie, was a domestic worker who raised Julius and his two siblings.
According to Biography.com, Julius’ nickname “Dr. J” was given to him by his high school friend Leon Saunders. Saunders called him “Doctor” because he thought Julius had a cool demeanor and a smooth style of play. The nickname stuck and became synonymous with Julius’ legendary career.
Julius’ surname, Erving, is of German origin and means “son of Ervin”. It is derived from the personal name Ervin, which is a variant of Irvin or Irvine. According to Ancestry.com, Erving is a rare surname in the United States and mostly found in New York.
The Conclusion
Kyrie Irving and Julius Erving are not related by blood, but by coincidence. They have different ethnic backgrounds, different family histories, and different name origins. However, they do share some similarities as basketball players. They both play as small forwards, they both have won NBA championships, they both have been voted as NBA MVPs, and they both have been named to the NBA All-Star team multiple times.
Kyrie and Julius are two of the greatest players in NBA history and have inspired generations of fans with their talent and charisma. They may not be related by name, but they are related by fame.
