Cavan

Boy #4288 most popular

Irish American British

Meanings & Origins

"little gentle one (variant of Kevin)"

Origin: Irish Gaelic Language: Irish

Popularity

#4288

Current Rank

Rising

Trend

Syllables

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“An Irish county name meaning 'the hollow,' rich and earthy”

Origin & Etymology

Cavan comes from the Irish 'An Cabhán,' meaning the hollow or the cave, referring to a natural topographical depression. It is primarily known as the name of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland, situated in Ulster. As a given name, it carries the rugged beauty of the Irish landscape, evoking rolling green hills and ancient countryside. The name may also derive from the Irish 'caomhán' (little gentle one), a variant of Kevin.

Popularity Story

Cavan as a first name has been rising alongside other Irish place-name-turned-given-names like Shannon, Kerry, and Sloane. Irish heritage names have experienced a renaissance in the United States, Canada, and Australia as families reclaim their Celtic roots.

Cultural Significance

County Cavan is a land-locked county in Ulster known for its lakes, drumlin landscape, and the source of the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river. As a given name, Cavan carries the quiet strength and natural beauty of the Irish countryside.

Fun Facts

County Cavan in Ireland is the source of the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river
The name may also connect to the Irish 'caomhán,' meaning 'little gentle one' — the root of Kevin
Irish place names like Shannon, Kerry, and Cavan have all crossed into use as given names