"little gentle one (variant of Kevin)"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Cavan
Pronunciation: [ k-AYV-uhn ]
Does Cavan flow with your last name?
An Irish county name meaning 'the hollow,' rich and earthy
Irish
American
British
Earthy
Vintage
Strong
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The Story of Cavan
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.
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.
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.
Historical Record
Cavan first appeared in US Social Security records in 1969.
Over 1,681 babies have been named Cavan in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cavan is past its peak , currently ranked #4,288 for boy names in the US .
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
Cavan in Other Languages
Irish
An Cabhán
English
Cavan
Scottish Gaelic
Cabhán
Popularity Over Time
#4,288
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 2002
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cavan
C
Caván Morony
Athlete
Irish Gaelic football player representing County Cavan
C
Cavan (county)
Other
One of the traditional counties of Ulster, Ireland, known as the lake county and home to the source of the River Shannon
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Compare Cavan with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,288
- Total SSA Count
- 25
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Cav
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cavan
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Cavan
Phonetic neighbors that share Cavan's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cavan
What does the name Cavan mean?
"little gentle one (variant of Kevin)" (from Irish Gaelic). 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.
What is the origin of the name Cavan?
Cavan has Irish Gaelic, Irish, American, and British origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "little gentle one (variant of Kevin)".
Is Cavan a boy or girl name?
Cavan is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cavan?
Cavan is pronounced k-AYV-uhn.
How popular is the name Cavan?
Cavan is currently ranked #4288 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cavan?
Common nicknames for Cavan include Cav.
What are good middle names for Cavan?
Popular middle name pairings include Cavan James, Cavan Patrick, Cavan Finn, Cavan Liam, Cavan Declan, and Cavan Sean.
What are good sibling names for Cavan?
Names that pair well with Cavan as siblings include Declan, Finn, Siobhan, Maeve, Conor, and Aoife.
How many syllables does Cavan have?
Cavan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cavan a common or rare name?
Cavan is an uncommon name, ranked #4288 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Cavan
Cavan is a boy name with Irish, American, and British origins . The name means "little gentle one (variant of Kevin)" in Irish Gaelic .
Cavan is currently ranked #4,288 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cavan has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AYV-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cavan include Cav. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis