What does Cavin mean and where does it come from?
Cavin is a variant of the name Cavan, which is of Irish origin and derived from 'Caemhghin'. It translates to 'handsome and gentle'. It can also refer to a county in Ireland, County Cavan. The name has seen varying degrees of popularity in English-speaking countries, especially among those with Iris
Cultural significance
Cavin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from 'caemhghin' - 'handsome and gentle'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1234 in 1981 — currently #9061 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cavin?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cavin?
Cavin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cavin Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Cavin John
One syllable · timeless choice
Cavin Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Cavin Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Cavin Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Cavin Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Cavin right now?
Rising fast — up 2121 spots — currently #9061 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #9061 | 8 | ▲ up 2121 · +33% births |
| 2024 | #11182 | 6 | ▼ down 2815 · -33% births |
| 2023 | #8367 | 9 | ▼ down 514 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #7853 | 10 | ▼ down 149 |
| 2021 | #7704 | 10 | ▼ down 1684 · -29% births |
| 2020 | #6020 | 14 | ▼ down 1702 · -39% births |
| 2015 | #4318 | 23 | ▼ down 1674 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #2644 | 46 | ▲ up 406 · +35% births |
| 2005 | #3050 | 34 | ▲ up 1208 · +89% births |
| 2000 | #4258 | 18 | ▼ down 1010 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #3248 | 21 | ▲ up 1530 · +91% births |
| 1990 | #4778 | 11 | ▼ down 2224 · -45% births |
| 1985 | #2554 | 20 | ▲ up 3284 · +233% births |
| 1980 | #5838 | 6 | ▼ down 2023 · -33% births |
| 1975 | #3815 | 9 | — |
The story of Cavin
Cavin entered American naming records in 1954 and has been in use for over 70 years. With 1,328 total births recorded, Cavin remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3861 in 1955, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8367 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cavin in 1981:
Cavin by decade
Cavin peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 54 | |
| 1960s | 155 | |
| 1970s | 113 | |
| 1980s | 216 | |
| 1990s | 185 | |
| 2000s ★ | 335 | |
| 2010s | 256 | |
| 2020s | 28 | |
💎With 1,328 total births, Cavin is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Cavin?
What names sound and feel like Cavin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cavin also consider these
Common questions about the name Cavin
What does the name Cavin mean?
Cavin means "from 'Caemhghin' - 'handsome and gentle'" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cavin?
Cavin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cavin?
Cavin originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cavin?
Cavin is a two-syllable name pronounced KAV-in. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cavin a common or rare name?
Cavin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.