"white hawk of battle"
Origin: Welsh
Language: English
Gavin
Pronunciation: [ g-AV-ihn ]
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An Arthurian knight's name with enduring strength
Welsh
Scottish
English
American
Strong
Classic
Traditional
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"hawk of the plain"
Origin: Old Welsh
Language: Welsh
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The Story of Gavin
Gavin is the medieval English and Scottish form of Gawain, the legendary Knight of the Round Table. It derives from the Welsh name Gwalchmei, meaning 'white hawk of May' or 'hawk of the plain.' The name traveled from Welsh Arthurian legend into Scottish and then English usage, where it flourished as a strong, knightly name throughout the Middle Ages.
Gavin peaked in the US in the early 2000s, reaching the top 20 around 2006, partly driven by cultural momentum and its association with strength and Celtic heritage. It has since declined as parents seek more unusual alternatives, but remains a well-recognized classic.
In Arthurian legend, Sir Gawain — whose name evolved into Gavin — was known as the most courteous of knights. In Scotland, Gavin has been used since medieval times and carries associations with Highland nobility and warrior virtue.
Historical Record
Gavin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 187,668 babies have been named Gavin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Gavin is past its peak , currently ranked #254 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Gavin is derived from the name of Sir Gawain, one of King Arthur's most famous knights
- The name Gawain appears in the 14th-century poem 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'
- Gavin was a top-20 US baby name from 2004-2008
Gavin in Other Languages
Welsh
Gwalchmei
French
Gauvain
Italian
Gavino
Spanish
Gavino
Scottish Gaelic
Gabhan
Popularity Over Time
#254
Current Rank
Peaked 2008
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Gavin
G
G
S
Sir Gawain Fictional
Other
Knight of the Round Table in Arthurian legend, ancestor of the name Gavin
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #254
- Total SSA Count
- 1,380
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Gav
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 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English 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, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Gavin
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Gavin is also used as a girl name, ranked #12288.
View Gavin as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gavin
What does the name Gavin mean?
"white hawk of battle" (from Welsh). "hawk of the plain" (from Old Welsh). Gavin is the medieval English and Scottish form of Gawain, the legendary Knight of the Round Table. It derives from the Welsh name Gwalchmei, meaning 'white hawk of May' or 'hawk of the plain.' The name traveled from Welsh Arthurian legend into Scottish and then English usage, where it flourished as a strong, knightly name throughout the Middle Ages.
What is the origin of the name Gavin?
Gavin has Welsh, Old Welsh, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Welsh, it means "white hawk of battle". In Old Welsh, it means "hawk of the plain".
Is Gavin a boy or girl name?
Gavin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #254. As a girl name, it is ranked #12288. Gavin is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Gavin?
Gavin is pronounced g-AV-ihn.
How popular is the name Gavin?
Gavin is currently ranked #254 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Gavin?
Common nicknames for Gavin include Gav.
What are good middle names for Gavin?
Popular middle name pairings include Gavin James, Gavin Michael, Gavin Thomas, Gavin Lee, Gavin Scott, Gavin Alexander, and Gavin William.
What are good sibling names for Gavin?
Names that pair well with Gavin as siblings include Liam, Owen, Nora, Brynn, Connor, Isla, and Logan.
How many syllables does Gavin have?
Gavin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Gavin a common or rare name?
Gavin is a popular name, ranked #254 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Gavin
Gavin is a boy name with Welsh, Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "white hawk of battle" in Welsh .
Is Gavin a boy or girl name? Gavin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #254 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #12,288. Gavin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Gavin is currently ranked #254 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Gavin has 2 syllables and is pronounced g-AV-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Gavin include Gav. 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