What does Gavin mean and where does it come from?
Gavin is traditionally a male name of Welsh origin, derived from the name 'Gwalchgwyn' meaning 'white hawk'. It has gained popularity in different forms across cultures. Though commonly used for boys, its use for girls has started to increase as gender-neutral names rise in popularity. The name Gavi
Cultural significance
Gavin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of white hawk.
Peak popularity
Reached #255 in 2024 — currently #303 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Gavin?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Gavin?
Gavin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gavin Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Gavin John
One syllable · timeless choice
Gavin Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Gavin Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Gavin Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Gavin Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Gavin right now?
Declining — down 48 spots — currently #303 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #303 | 1,125 | ▼ down 48 · -19% births |
| 2024 | #255 | 1,384 | ▼ down 23 · -9% births |
| 2023 | #232 | 1,514 | ▼ down 26 · -16% births |
| 2022 | #206 | 1,796 | ▼ down 32 · -19% births |
| 2021 | #174 | 2,215 | ▲ up 16390 · +44200% births |
| 2015 | #16564 | 5 | ▼ down 7298 · -58% births |
| 2010 | #9266 | 12 | ▼ down 2420 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #6846 | 17 | ▲ up 2389 · +70% births |
| 2000 | #9235 | 10 | — |
The story of Gavin
Gavin is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. More than 181,482 babies have been named Gavin since 1977. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9235 in 2000 to #232 in 2023. Gavin is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Gavin in 2024:
Gavin by decade
Gavin peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 49 | |
| 1920s | 124 | |
| 1930s | 113 | |
| 1940s | 177 | |
| 1950s | 504 | |
| 1960s | 1,573 | |
| 1970s | 2,672 | |
| 1980s | 5,407 | |
| 1990s | 17,318 | |
| 2000s ★ | 88,647 | |
| 2010s | 62,328 | |
| 2020s | 5,079 | |
What are good nicknames for Gavin?
What names sound and feel like Gavin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gavin also consider these
How is Gavin written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Gavin
What does the name Gavin mean?
Gavin means "white hawk" — a name rooted in Welsh 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 Gavin?
Gavin is currently ranked #232 in the United States as a baby 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 Gavin?
Gavin originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh 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 Gavin?
Gavin is a two-syllable name pronounced GAV-in. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Gavin more of a girl or boy name?
Gavin is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.