Cavan

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Cavan Pronunciation

Cavan is pronounced KAV-ən /ˈkæv.ən/High

Meaning: From the Irish county Cavan ('the hollow') or the name Caomhán, 'handsome, gentle'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Irish and warm: Cavan is the county-name 'the hollow' — and echoes Caomhán, 'handsome, gentle'. Crisp, lyrical, and distinctive.

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Origin MediumIrish

MeaningFrom the Irish county Cavan ('the hollow') or the name Caomhán, 'handsome, gentle'; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#4202 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births25 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2008

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,681

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Cavan comes from the Irish county An Cabhán, 'the hollow', and overlaps Caomhán, 'handsome, gentle one' (a saint's name, root of Kevin; routes layered, which we note). It's crisp and warmly Irish.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, hollow-or-handsome at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Cavan is an Irish county whose name means 'the hollow' — and it echoes Caomhán, 'handsome, gentle one' (the root of Kevin); a warm, lyrical name.

Overall data confidence 68%

Behind the Name — Cavan — routes layered

Variations

CavinCaomhánKavan

Nicknames

Cav

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cavan…

Kevin— the related 'handsome' name

Cian— a fellow Irish name

Gavin— a rhyming -avin name

Ronan— a companion Irish name

→ See all names like Cavan

Browse the whole category: All Irish names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Cavan?

Cavan is pronounced KAV-ən (/ˈkæv.ən/). Press play above to hear Cavan said aloud.

How do you say Cavan?

Cavan is said KAV-ən (/ˈkæv.ən/). Press play above to hear Cavan said aloud.

What does the name Cavan mean?

Cavan is the Irish county 'the hollow', and echoes Caomhán, 'handsome, gentle'; the routes are layered.

Is Cavan a boy or girl name?

Cavan is a boy's name.

How popular is Cavan?

Cavan is a rare name in the U.S.