Rising since 2022, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Gavan since 1970
Babies named Gavan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 45 |
| 1990s | 175 |
| 2000s | 553 |
| 2010s | 182 |
| 2020s | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Gavan is a variant spelling of Gavin, a name that gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s. It was first recorded in 1970 and reached its peak rank of 12008 in 2003, though it has seen a modest rise in usage since 2022. While not among the most common names, Gavan offers a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Gavin, appealing to parents seeking a familiar sound with a unique spelling. The name's roots in Arthurian legend give it a subtle literary connection, though its modern usage is largely independent of that tradition.
Gavan is likely a variant of Gavin, an English name derived from the medieval name Gawain, which itself comes from the Welsh name Gwalchmai, composed of elements meaning 'hawk' and 'battle' or 'white'. The name entered English through Arthurian legend, where Sir Gawain was a knight of the Round Table. Gavan, as a less common spelling, emerged in the 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gav, Van
Sibling names for Gavan
Names that share Gavan's style, for a brother or sister.
