Gavin
White hawk — a boy name of Welsh, Scottish origin
Popularity of Gavin in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Gavin
Gavin is the anglicized form of the medieval name Gawain, derived from the Welsh "Gwalchgwn" meaning "white hawk" or "hawk of the battle." In Arthurian legend, Sir Gawain was one of the Knights of the Round Table and a nephew of King Arthur, renowned for his courtesy and bravery. The name has been particularly popular in Scotland, where it has been in use since the Middle Ages. Gavin gained broader popularity in the United States during the 1990s and 2000s, prized for its blend of Celtic heritage and modern appeal.
Gavin Around the World
Gavin is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Gavin
Famous People Named Gavin
- Gavin Rossdale — British musician and lead singer of Bush
- Gavin Newsom — Governor of California
- Gavin DeGraw — American singer-songwriter
Similar Names to Gavin
If you like Gavin, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Gavin
Looking for names that pair well with Gavin? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Gavin mean?
Gavin is a boy name of Welsh, Scottish origin meaning "White hawk." Gavin is the anglicized form of the medieval name Gawain, derived from the Welsh "Gwalchgwn" meaning "white hawk" or "hawk of the battle." In Arthurian legend, Sir Gawain was one of the Knights of the Round Table and a nephew of King Arthur, renowned for his courtesy and bravery.
How do you pronounce Gavin?
Gavin is pronounced GAV-in. Common variations include Gaven, Gawen, Gavyn.
Is Gavin a boy name?
Yes, Gavin is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Gav, Vinny.
Explore Related Names
Need More Name Ideas?
Like Gavin? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.
Try Baby Name Generator