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Gavin Boy

Popularity: #241 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationGAV-in / /ˈɡæv.ɪn/

Irish; Welsh

Meaning

Irish: 'white hawk'; Welsh: 'battle hawk'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Gavin has its roots in the Welsh name Gawain, which is derived from the Old Welsh form Gauain. The etymology of Gawain is often linked to the Latin name 'Walanus', which itself may stem from the Proto-Celtic *gāwā, meaning 'hawk' or 'battle'. The transition from Gawain to Gavin occurred as the name was adopted into English, particularly during the medieval period when Arthurian legends popularized the character of Sir Gawain, one of the Knights of the Round Table. This character is prominently featured in the 14th-century Middle English poem 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight', which further solidified the name's presence in English literature.

Historically, the name Gavin gained traction in Scotland, where it became associated with various saints, notably Saint Gawain, who is believed to have been a 6th-century figure. The name's association with nobility is also notable, as it appeared among Scottish clans and was borne by several historical figures, including the 14th-century Scottish nobleman Gavin Dunbar, who served as the Archbishop of Glasgow. The name's usage in Scotland was further reinforced by its appearance in various historical texts and records throughout the centuries.

Culturally, Gavin has been embraced for its chivalric and noble connotations, largely due to its connections with the Arthurian legends and the valorous traits attributed to Sir Gawain. The name has also been linked to themes of loyalty and honor, which resonate with the ideals of knighthood. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Gav or Gavie have emerged in various contexts, although they are less historically significant. Overall, Gavin's enduring legacy is marked by its rich linguistic heritage and its associations with valorous figures in literature and history.

Trend Summary

Gavin has seen consistent popularity in the United States, particularly peaking in the 2000s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Gav
  • Gavyn

International Variants

  • Gavino (Italian)
  • Gavinus (Latin)

Famous people named Gavin

Gavin Rossdale is a musician best known for being the lead singer of Bush and for his solo work.

Gavin DeGraw is a singer-songwriter best known for his songs I Don't Want to Be, Chariot, and Not Over You.

Gavin Henson is a rugby player best known for playing with the Welsh national team and the Ospreys.

Gavin O'Connor is a director and writer best known for films such as Warrior, Miracle, and The Accountant.

Fictional characters named Gavin

Gavin is a fictional character from the video game series Dragon Age. He is a prominent character in Dragon Age: Inquisition, serving as a member of the Inquisition and a key figure in the game's narrative.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Gavin was first seen in the United States in 1913. Gavin has ranked as high as #44 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Gavin has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Gavin (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 108
8%
NY 105
8%
CA 90
7%
FL 82
6%
PA 79
6%
OH 57
4%
IL 53
4%
MN 51
4%
VA 49
4%
MI 44
3%
MA 43
3%
NC 42
3%
IN 35
3%
WI 32
2%
WA 30
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19135
191410
19159
19179
191916
192012
192115
192212
192312
192411
192514
192615
192713
192813
19297
19309
193113
193215
193313
19345
193514
19369
193715
193810
193910
194013
194117
194217
19436
194413
194512
194622
194728
194824
194925
195027
195130
195238
195342
195476
195561
195665
195737
195871
195957
1960100
1961114
1962154
1963159
1964152
1965161
1966147
1967173
1968189
1969223
1970208
1971218
1972174
1973232
1974270
1975261
1976318
1977303
1978366
1979317
1980350
1981492
1982477
1983690
1984513
1985522
1986537
1987630
1988544
1989629
1990860
1991849
19921,067
1993945
19941,121
19951,193
19961,633
19972,757
19983,195
19993,658
20004,686
20015,260
20026,951
20038,764
20048,610
20059,340
200610,479
200711,863
200811,751
200910,741
20109,626
20119,016
20128,260
20137,421
20146,622
20155,793
20164,943
20174,159
20183,473
20193,012
20202,588
20212,215
20221,796
20231,514
20241,380