Find out how popular the first name Garvin has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Garvin by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Garvin is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Garvin.

The history of the first name Garvin

The name Garvin originated from the Irish Gaelic language, specifically the word "garbh" which means "rough" or "rugged." It was initially used as a surname in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Cork, Kerry, and Limerick, dating back to the 12th century.

In its earliest form, the name was spelled as "Garvyn" or "Garvine." It was later anglicized to "Garvin" as the Irish migration to other parts of the world increased. The name was primarily associated with families of Gaelic descent, particularly those with roots in the southern regions of Ireland.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Garvin can be found in the Annals of Inisfallen, a chronicle of Irish history compiled in the 12th century. It mentions a person named Garvin Mac Carthaigh, who was a member of the influential McCarthy clan in County Cork.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Garvin. One of the most prominent was John Garvin (1856-1935), an Irish-American lawyer and politician who served as the 36th Mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, from 1914 to 1918.

Another noteworthy figure was Wilbur Garvin (1870-1952), an English journalist and editor who served as the editor-in-chief of The Observer newspaper from 1908 to 1942. He was widely respected for his influential editorials and commentary on political and social issues.

In the realm of literature, John William Garvin (1869-1935) was a renowned Irish novelist and short story writer. His works, such as "The Prospect of Literature" and "Manxman," explored themes of Irish identity and culture.

The name Garvin also has a presence in the world of sports. Garvin Bushell (1931-2019) was a prominent English cricketer who played for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and the England national team in the 1950s and 1960s.

Another notable figure was Garvin Roberson (born 1972), an American basketball player who played in the NBA for teams like the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors in the 1990s.

While the name Garvin has its roots in Ireland, it has been adopted and used in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. Although not as common as some other Irish names, it continues to hold a rich historical significance and connection to its Gaelic origins.

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 Garvin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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