Kavan Boy

Popularity: #931 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAH-vahn //ˈkævən//

Origin: Irish; Sanskrit

Meaning: Irish: 'handsome'; Sanskrit: 'the one who is brave'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kavan has its roots in the Irish language, derived from the Gaelic name "Caomhán," which means "handsome" or "gentle." The etymology can be traced back to the Old Irish word "caomh," meaning "dear" or "beloved." This name evolved through various forms, with "Caomhán" being a diminutive of "Caomh," which was often used in early medieval Ireland. The transition into English occurred as the name was anglicized, leading to variations such as Kavan, which reflects the phonetic adaptations of Gaelic names into English-speaking contexts.

Historically, the name Kavan has been associated with several notable figures in Irish history. One significant milestone is its connection to Saint Caomhán, also known as Saint Kevin, who was a prominent figure in the 6th century and is recognized as the founder of the monastic settlement at Glendalough in County Wicklow, Ireland.

His legacy is preserved in various hagiographies and religious texts, contributing to the name's enduring presence in Irish culture. The name Kavan, along with its variants, has been used in various forms of literature and ecclesiastical writings throughout the centuries, further embedding it in the cultural fabric of Ireland.

Culturally, Kavan embodies qualities of gentleness and charm, resonating with the values of kindness and affection that are often celebrated in Irish folklore and tradition. The name has been linked to various legends and stories that highlight the virtues of its bearers, contributing to its symbolic significance.

Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Kav" may arise in familial or affectionate contexts, although these variations are less formalized. Overall, Kavan reflects a rich linguistic heritage and a deep cultural resonance that has allowed it to persist through the ages.

Famous people named Kavan

In this section, you will find notable people named Kavan. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Kavan who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Kavan who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Kavan Smith is an actor best known for Stargate Atlantis, When Calls the Heart, and The Perfect Bride.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kavan, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Kavan. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kavan was first seen in the United States in 1968.

Kavan has ranked as high as #6099 nationally, which occurred in 2005, and has been most popular in California, and Texas.

In the past 5 years the name Kavan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Kavan is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Kavan was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Kavan.

Year Total Births Boy
2025 7 7
2024 15 15
2023 8 8
2022 9 9
2021 14 14
2020 16 16
2019 14 14
2018 13 13
2017 23 23
2016 13 13
2015 20 20
2014 11 11
2013 23 23
2012 36 36
2011 33 33
2010 34 34
2009 38 38
2008 24 24
2007 30 30
2006 33 33
2005 41 41
2004 37 37
2003 28 28
2002 31 31
2001 32 32
2000 29 29
1999 30 30
1998 29 29
1997 26 26
1996 20 20
1995 28 28
1994 19 19
1993 19 19
1991 7 7
1990 11 11
1989 7 7
1988 8 8
1987 12 12
1986 5 5
1985 5 5
1984 7 7
1983 8 8
1980 5 5
1977 5 5
1975 5 5
1972 5 5
1969 7 7
1968 5 5

Top States for Kavan (2017)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 5
100%