Gaven is a name of Irish origin that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name is derived from the Irish given name Gavinn, which is ultimately derived from the Latin given name Gabinus. Gabinus is thought to have been brought to Ireland by Viking settlers and was likely derived from the Old Norse name Gabban, which means "small sparrow."
The meaning of Gaven has evolved over time, but it is most commonly associated with the Irish word "gábhann," which means "smart" or "shrewd." This association may have contributed to the popularity of the name in Ireland and among those of Irish descent.
The history of the name Gaven is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been used as a given name in Ireland for centuries. It was likely brought to England by returning Irish settlers or by English settlers who had spent time in Ireland. The name gained some popularity in England during the Victorian era, but it did not become widely used until the latter half of the 20th century.
Today, Gaven is considered a modern and unique given name that is often chosen for its distinctive sound and Irish heritage. It is most commonly used as a boys' name, but it can also be used as a girls' name in some cases. Despite its relative rarity compared to more popular names like John or James, Gaven has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years and is now among the top 1000 names for boys in countries such as Australia and the United States.
In summary, Gaven is an Irish given name that means "smart" or "shrewd." It has a rich history dating back centuries but has only gained widespread popularity in recent decades. Today, it is considered a modern and unique name that reflects its Irish heritage while also sounding distinctive and appealing to parents looking for something different.
The name Gaven has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. It started with a low of 5 births annually in its early years (1972 and 1974), but began to gain traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a peak of 31 births in 1990. The trend continued throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with Gaven being particularly popular between 1997 and 2005, during which it averaged around 250 births per year. However, since then, the name's popularity has declined steadily, with fewer than 60 births recorded annually in recent years (2014-2023). Overall, there have been a total of 3823 babies named Gaven from 1972 to 2023.