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

Popularity of Gavin by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Gavin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Gavin being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,512 male babies and 8 female babies born with the name Gavin.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 8 baby girls were named Gavin in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Gavin

The given name Gavin has its roots in the medieval Celtic culture, originating from the Welsh language. It is derived from the Welsh word "gafyn," which means "hawk" or "small hawk." This suggests a connection to the natural world and a potential symbolic association with strength, keen vision, and agility.

The earliest known recorded use of the name Gavin dates back to the 12th century in Wales. It was initially a surname before gaining popularity as a given name. The name Gavin has also been spelled as Gavyn, Gaven, and Gawain in various historical records.

One of the earliest and most renowned historical figures bearing the name Gavin was Sir Gawain, a nephew of King Arthur in the Arthurian legends. He is celebrated as one of the greatest knights of the Round Table and is portrayed as a symbol of courage, chivalry, and honor in the famous 14th-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."

Another notable historical figure with the name Gavin was Gavin Douglas (c. 1474-1522), a Scottish Bishop and poet. He is best known for his translation of Virgil's Aeneid into Scots, which is considered a literary masterpiece and a significant contribution to the preservation of the Scots language.

In the 16th century, Gavin Hamilton (1723-1798) was a renowned Scottish painter and archaeologist. He is particularly celebrated for his neoclassical paintings and his contributions to the rediscovery and preservation of ancient Roman art and architecture.

Gavin Ewart (1917-1995) was a British poet and writer who gained recognition for his contributions to the literary scene in the mid-20th century. He was known for his witty and satirical writings, which often explored themes of modern urban life and social commentary.

Gavin Bryars (born 1943) is a respected British composer and musician. He is widely acclaimed for his innovative and experimental works that blend classical and contemporary styles, including his famous composition "The Sinking of the Titanic," which incorporates the sounds of the ship's hull creaking as it sank.

Throughout history, the name Gavin has been associated with individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, art, music, and more. Its Celtic origins and symbolic connection to the natural world have added a unique and enduring quality to this name.

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

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

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