Declining since 2008, #3,450 for boys today.
Popularity of Cavan since 1969
Babies named Cavan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 8 |
| 1970s | 77 |
| 1980s | 155 |
| 1990s | 240 |
| 2000s | 585 |
| 2010s | 472 |
| 2020s | 177 |
Meaning & origin
Cavan is an Irish surname turned given name that entered U.S. records in 1969. It saw its peak popularity in 2008, but has since been on a downward trajectory, falling in rank each year. In 2025, it ranked 3450th nationally, with approximately 1 in 51760 newborn boys receiving the name. The name is most common in Pennsylvania, which may reflect a concentration of Irish-American families. Despite its decline, Cavan remains a distinctive choice that connects to Irish heritage without being overly common.
Cavan is an Irish surname turned given name, possibly from the Gaelic Ó Caomháin meaning 'descendant of Caomhán', a diminutive of caomh meaning 'gentle, handsome, comely'. Alternatively, it may derive from the Irish word cabhán meaning 'hollow' or 'cavity', referring to the town of Cavan in Ireland. Its use as a first name in the United States began in the late 1960s, likely influenced by the popularity of Irish names.
Where Cavan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cav
Variants: Kavan
Sibling names for Cavan
Names that share Cavan's style, for a brother or sister.
