Gavan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "gaibhin" which means "small". It is believed to have been brought over to Ireland by the Norsemen, who were Viking descendants, during their invasions in the late 8th century. The name was originally given as a surname, but it has since evolved into a first name.
The name Gavan is also associated with the Irish saint, St. Gobnait, whose feast day is celebrated on February 11th. She is said to have been born with six toes and six fingers on each hand, which is thought to be reflected in the meaning of her name, "small". It is unclear whether there is a direct connection between Gavan and Gobnait, but both names are believed to share similar origins.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Gavan. One such figure was Sir Gavan Duffy, an Irish politician who served as a member of parliament in the late 19th century. He was known for his strong nationalist views and played a significant role in the struggle for Irish independence.
Today, Gavan remains a relatively uncommon name but continues to be used by families with Irish heritage or those simply drawn to its unique sound. Despite its historical roots and association with notable figures, the meaning of Gavan is not often considered when choosing it as a first name. Instead, parents may be attracted to its distinctive phonetic qualities or its connection to Irish culture and history.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Gavan in the United States from 1970 to 2022, we can observe several trends:
* The name Gavan started appearing more frequently in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In fact, between 1990 and 1995, the number of births increased significantly each year, from a low of 14 births in 1990 to a peak of 29 births in 1997.
* The highest number of babies named Gavan was born in 2003 with 80 births. This year marked a significant peak in the popularity of this name.
* After reaching its peak in 2003, the frequency of the name Gavan began to decline gradually. By 2014, there were only 13 births recorded for that year.
* Between 2015 and 2022, the number of births with the name Gavan has remained relatively low, ranging from a high of 11 births in 2016 to just 5 births in 2022.
In total, over the span of 53 years (from 1970 to 2022), there have been 977 babies named Gavan born in the United States. This data shows us that while the name Gavan has seen periods of popularity and decline, it remains a unique and recognizable name among baby names throughout this time frame.