Boy · 55th of 24,088
Gavin
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
188,526
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2007
Peak Popularity Year
11,889
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Gavin stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Gavin originates from Old Welsh, meaning 'hawk'. It evolved from Gawain in Middle English to its current form in Modern English. The name is linked to legendary traits of bravery and loyalty, with no biblical relevance. Gavin gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in English-speaking regions, and has several variants like Gawain and Gav. Today, it is viewed positively, associated with notable figures in various fields.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɡæv.ɪn/
Origin
Old Welsh
Etymology
The name Gavin is derived from the Old Welsh name 'Gawain', which is believed to have originated from the word 'gwalch', meaning 'hawk'. It is often associated with the legendary character Sir Gawain from Arthurian legend.
Meaning
hawk
Language Evolution
Old Welsh: Gawain, Middle English: Gawain, Modern English: Gavin
Historical Usage
The name Gavin gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States, largely due to its association with Arthurian legends and its use in literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Gawain, Gavinus, Gav, Gavie
Modern Popularity & Image
Gavin is currently perceived as a strong and traditional name. It is commonly used in various countries and often associated with positive traits such as bravery and loyalty.
Famous People
Gavin Newsom - American politician and businessman, Gavin Rossdale - British musician and lead singer of Bush, Gavin Henson - Welsh rugby player
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 11,889 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 6 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2662nd of 7545 | 153 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2199th of 6773 | 211 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 906th of 7552 | 1,282 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 517th of 10718 | 3,910 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 300th of 16616 | 12,702 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 55th of 24088 | 124,957 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 100th of 23106 | 44,916 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 16163rd of 27321 | 33 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6462nd of 35406 | 295 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 14179th of 30306 | 62 |