Declining since 2008, #303 for boys today.
Popularity of Gavin since 1913
Babies named Gavin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 49 |
| 1920s | 124 |
| 1930s | 113 |
| 1940s | 177 |
| 1950s | 504 |
| 1960s | 1,571 |
| 1970s | 2,665 |
| 1980s | 5,382 |
| 1990s | 17,280 |
| 2000s | 88,447 |
| 2010s | 62,331 |
| 2020s | 10,627 |
Meaning & origin
Gavin, an Anglicized form of the medieval Welsh name Gawain, traces its roots to the Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain, a knight of the Round Table. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1913, but it remained relatively uncommon until the late 20th century. Its popularity surged in the 1990s and 2000s, reaching a peak rank of 1 in 2008. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, and in 2025 it ranked 303rd. The name was most popular in states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. While its use has declined from its peak, Gavin remains a familiar, well-established choice that evokes a strong, knightly heritage without feeling dated.
Gavin is an Anglicized form of the medieval Welsh name Gawain, which itself is derived from the older Welsh Gwalchmai, meaning 'battle hawk' or 'summer hawk.' The name entered English usage through Arthurian legend, where Gawain was one of King Arthur's knights. It became common in Scotland as a form of Gawain, and later spread throughout the English-speaking world.
Where Gavin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gavin” around the world
Where Gavin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
11
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gav, Gavi
Sibling names for Gavin
Names that share Gavin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Madeline, Ella, Lily, Avery, Sophie, Kaylee, Danika, Macee, Marli, Salina, Talyn, Tegan, Angelyn, Delani, Delanie, Joceline, Josalyn, Kaeli, Kaydance, Kaydee, Petrina, Scotlyn, Adrea, Avyn, Bevin, Briel, Brylynn, Calynn, Dalaney, Dannika, Drena, Elesha, Evony, Genessa, Gwyndolyn, Jacelynn, Jarely, Jazalyn, Jersi, Jolette, Kambri, Kierston, Lareen, Lenee, Lenzy, Logann, Malon, Marelyn, Marlisa, Merci, Monic, Raelle, Rheannon, Shailee, Shylee, Shylynn, Trenna, Brecklynn, Camreigh, Corryn, Cortina, Dalphine, Darly, Delayna, Denym, Donette, Emberley, Gara, Gwendalynn, Haeli, Jaselyn, Jasslyn, Jenesys, Jeselle, Kahlen, Kaileen, Kaislyn, Keatyn, Loraina, Madyn, Mailin, Megin, Merinda, Myelle, Quincie, Sareen, Shaelin, Sierah, Torina, Tristine, Karris, Malyn, Merin, Paytan, Rhealynn, Wyvonne, Adylin, Aleynah, Ambry, Breklyn, Caliann, Chasta, Davona, Delaynee, Deyna, Eira, Farrin, Ferrin, Halynn, Jailynne, Jamilette, Javanna, Jilliam, Joliet, Julena, Kamaryn, Kassiah, Khylar, Landi, Magon, Merlina, Noralynn, Raigen, Salene, Satina, Sherlyne, Skylynne, Tagan, Tamalyn
Brothers: Ethan, Liam, Noah, Owen, Caleb, Jaden, Kaden, Braydon, Broderick, Brodie, Kraig, Landen, Trever, Avion, Corben, Daven, Ethyn, Glendon, Jayvian, Jerrett, Kayne, Korben, Rodrick, Taurean, Terran, Trenten, Trevin, Alvan, Brodey, Chevon, Cordel, Dalon, Darwyn, Deston, Donovin, Dravin, Gergory, Jayvien, Kenon, Maclin, Nathyn, Ostin, Quinnton, Rayland, Reynard, Tallen, Tayvin, Torrin, Traven, Travin, Tremain, Trevan, Tycen, Alwyn, Arlind, Austan, Caton, Davan, Devean, Garreth, Gerron, Javyn, Kolden, Nijel, Tagen, Tarrin, Tavyn, Tivon, Trevar, Zevin, Brentin, Daiden, Derrien, Calven, Cavion, Dailan, Dierks, Doryan, Drevin, Geral, Geron, Grasyn, Jarmon, Jonavin, Kalven, Kardell, Keiffer, Kelten, Kelven, Kelwin, Linkoln, Marbin, Naven, Nolon, Reiss, Revin, Tobyn, Wallen
Names like Gavin
Names whose popularity has moved with Gavin's over the last 50 years.
