Gavin vs Liam

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Gavin

Boy #254 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"white hawk of battle"

Origin: Welsh

Cultural Roots

Welsh Scottish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#254
Total SSA Count
1,380
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Gav

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Liam

Boy #1 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"strong-willed warrior"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1
Total SSA Count
22,164
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Liam →

Popularity Comparison

Gavin Rank #254
Liam Rank #1

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 vs #254 for Gavin.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Gavin ___

  • Gavin James
  • Gavin Michael
  • Gavin Thomas
  • Gavin Lee
  • Gavin Scott
  • Gavin Alexander

Liam ___

  • Liam James
  • Liam Alexander
  • Liam Thomas
  • Liam Michael
  • Liam Patrick
  • Liam Joseph

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Gavin

Liam Owen Nora Brynn Connor

If you choose Liam

Olivia Emma Noah Charlotte Sophia

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gavin or Liam more popular?

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 compared to Gavin at #254 in the United States.

What do Gavin and Liam mean?

Gavin means "white hawk of battle" (Welsh origin). Liam means "strong-willed warrior" (Irish origin).

Are Gavin and Liam boy or girl names?

Gavin is primarily a boy name. Liam is primarily a boy name.

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