Find out how popular the first name Cavan has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cavan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cavan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 30 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cavan.

The history of the first name Cavan

The name Cavan is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name "Cabhán" which means "hollow" or "cavern". The name has its origins in the ancient Gaelic language spoken in Ireland, which dates back to the 4th century AD. It is believed to have been derived from the Old Irish word "cúan" meaning "harbor" or "bay".

The name Cavan is closely associated with County Cavan in Ireland, which takes its name from the Irish "Cabhán" meaning "the hollow". This area in the northern part of the country is known for its many lakes and drumlins, which are small hills formed during the last ice age. The name Cavan likely refers to the hollows or depressions in the landscape of this region.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Cavan dates back to the 7th century AD, when it was used to refer to a local saint and bishop known as St. Cavan or St. Cavan of Leinster. He is believed to have lived in the area that is now County Cavan and is the patron saint of the town of Cavan.

In medieval times, the name Cavan was also used as a surname, particularly in County Cavan and surrounding areas. One notable historical figure with this name was Cavan O'Reilly, an Irish chieftain and lord of Cavan who lived in the 16th century.

Another famous bearer of the name Cavan was the Irish writer and poet Austin Clarke, whose full name was Austin Norman Cavan Clarke (1896-1974). He was born in Dublin and is considered one of the leading literary figures of the Irish literary renaissance.

In the realm of sports, the name Cavan is associated with Cavan Biggio, a professional baseball player for the Toronto Blue Jays. He was born in 1995 and is the son of former Major League Baseball player Craig Biggio.

Additionally, Cavan Grogan was an Irish actor and singer who appeared in several films and television shows in the 1960s and 1970s. He was born in 1942 and passed away in 1999.

Overall, the name Cavan has a rich history and cultural significance, rooted in the ancient Gaelic language and landscape of Ireland. It has been borne by saints, writers, actors, and athletes throughout history, reflecting its enduring appeal and connection to Irish heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cavan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cavan, please contact us.

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