Gavan

“Gavan is an anglicized form of the Irish name 'Gobhain' which translates directly to 'hawk'” — Associated with the bird

Ireland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#12979US 2022

5Births / yr

↓Falling

972All-time births

📅 Since 197000

What does Gavan mean and where does it come from?

Gavan is an anglicized form of the Irish name 'Gobhain' which translates directly to 'hawk'. Traditionally a masculine name, Gavan reflects qualities of strength and keen vision associated with the bird. It has been recorded in various forms throughout Irish history and is commonly found in Ireland

Cultural significance

Gavan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.

Peak popularity

Reached #1589 in 2003 — currently #12979 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Gavan?

Gavan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Gavan Grace

How popular is Gavan right now?

Falling — down 3278 spots — currently #12979 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2022#12979 · Top 9.6%

1970

1980

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#12979	5	▼ down 3278 · -29% births
2020	#9701	7	▼ down 1479 · -22% births
2015	#8222	9	▼ down 5462 · -80% births
2010	#2760	44	▼ down 420 · -12% births
2005	#2340	50	▼ down 223 · +4% births
2000	#2117	48	▲ up 1833 · +200% births
1995	#3950	16	▲ up 129 · +14% births
1990	#4079	14	▲ up 1214 · +100% births
1980	#5293	7	▲ up 53 · +40% births
1970	#5346	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gavan

Best Year2000Rank #2117

Peak Count50

Average Rank#5679

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 202210 years

The story of Gavan

Gavan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 972 total births recorded, Gavan remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5346 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12979 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Gavan in 2003:

Jacob Michael Joshua Matthew Andrew

Gavan by decade

Gavan peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	10
1980s	45
1990s	175
2000s ★	553
2010s	182
2020s	7

💎Gavan has only 972 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Gavan?

Common

GavGavieGavy

What names sound and feel like Gavan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gavan also consider these

Navan

Ireland · Irish

Cavan

Ireland · from the Irish

Irish · descendant of Goachtach

Common questions about the name Gavan

What does the name Gavan mean?

Gavan means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Gavan?

Gavan 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 Gavan?

Gavan originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Gavan a common or rare name?

Gavan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Gavan?

Gavan naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.