Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Galvin since 1917
Babies named Galvin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 54 |
| 1930s | 17 |
| 1940s | 49 |
| 1950s | 60 |
| 1960s | 60 |
| 1970s | 85 |
| 1980s | 116 |
| 1990s | 103 |
| 2000s | 152 |
| 2010s | 147 |
| 2020s | 57 |
Meaning & origin
Galvin is a name of primarily Irish origin, derived from the surname Ó Gealbháin, meaning "descendant of the bright one." It has seen modest but steady usage as a first name in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1917. Its popularity peaked in 2008, with recent data indicating it remains rare: in 2025, Galvin ranked 12,008 with a rate of 1 in 341,615 births. The name's trajectory has been stable over recent decades, reflecting its niche appeal. While not associated with any specific top states, Galvin carries a distinctly Irish heritage that may appeal to families seeking a name with Celtic roots. Its similarity to the more common Gavin gives it a familiar yet distinctive sound.
Galvin is primarily an Irish surname turned given name, anglicized from the Gaelic Ó Gealbháin, meaning "descendant of Gealbhán," a personal name composed of geal "bright" and bán "white." In English contexts, it may also be a variant of the wind-related name Gale. As a first name, it has seen modest use since the 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gal, Vinny
Variants: Gavin, Galven
Sibling names for Galvin
Names that share Galvin's style, for a brother or sister.
