Alvan is a unique and distinctive name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh word "Alban," which means "white." This name has a long and rich history, dating back to the early Middle Ages.
The name Alvan was first used as a personal name in Wales during the 6th century. It was often given to boys who were born with fair hair or complexion, reflecting its meaning of "white." Over time, the name became more popular throughout Britain and eventually spread to other parts of Europe.
One notable figure associated with the name Alvan is Saint Alban, the first Christian martyr in Britain. According to legend, Alban was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and refused to sacrifice his faith during a period of persecution. He was executed for his beliefs in around 304 AD, and his martyrdom inspired many others to embrace Christianity. In honor of Saint Alban's courage and devotion, the name Alvan has long been associated with strength, bravery, and spiritual depth.
Today, Alvan remains a relatively rare but highly regarded name. It is often chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance. Those with the name Alvan may feel a connection to their Welsh heritage and the rich history of this distinctive moniker.
The name Alvan has been a relatively uncommon one in the United States over the years, with fluctuations in its popularity as indicated by the annual birth statistics provided.
Starting from the late 19th century, there were only five births each year for Alvan in 1883 and 1902. However, the number of newborns named Alvan began to increase towards the early 20th century, with 13 births in 1912, peaking at 53 births in 1927.
The popularity of the name continued to rise throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, with a high of 48 births in 1926. However, it began to decline steadily afterwards, reaching single digits by the mid-1950s.
From the 1970s onwards, there were sporadic years where more than five babies named Alvan were born, such as eight births in both 1989 and 1990. However, these occurrences became less frequent over time, with only five births recorded each year from 2003 to 2006.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, the name Alvan has remained relatively uncommon throughout the years in the United States. In total, there have been 1,101 babies named Alvan born in the country since 1883.