Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Gavan

Gavan

♂ Boy

Pronounced GAV-uhn /ˈɡæv.ən/Medium

Meaning: Gavan is a variant spelling of Gavin, a name of Welsh and Scottish tradition often linked to Gawain and read as 'white hawk' or 'little hawk'. A documented variant.Low

In 30 seconds: A soft take on a classic: Gavan is a variant of Gavin, often read 'white hawk' (said 'GAV-uhn') — warm and familiar.
💕 Browse more names
Origin LowWelsh, Scottish
MeaningGavan is a variant spelling of Gavin, a name of Welsh and Scottish tradition often linked to Gawain and read as 'white hawk' or 'little hawk'. A documented variant.
U.S. rank (2024)#12883 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2003
Total births (all-time)≈ 982

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200319702024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Gavan is a variant of Gavin, a Welsh and Scottish name linked to Gawain and commonly read as 'white hawk' or 'little hawk'. This spelling gives the classic a softer look (said 'GAV-uhn').

It is rare in the U.S. compared with Gavin. Rare, Celtic, and warm.

Did you know? Gavan is a spelling of Gavin, tied to the Arthurian Gawain and often read as 'white hawk' (said 'GAV-uhn') — a warm, sturdy pick with Celtic roots.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Gavan — Variant of Gavin; 'white hawk'

Variations

GavinGavenGavyn

Nicknames

GavVan

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Gavan…

Gavin— the classic Gavan varies
Kevan— a like -an-ending Celtic pick
Devan— a shared soft, warm feel
Duncan— a fellow Scottish choice
Ewan— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Gavan

By themescottishwelshcelticvariant
By meaningBird

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gavan mean?

Gavan is a variant of Gavin, linked to Gawain and often read as 'white hawk' or 'little hawk'.

How do you pronounce Gavan?

It's said GAV-uhn /ˈɡæv.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Gavan a boy or girl name?

Gavan is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Gavan?

Gavan is a rare name in the U.S. compared with Gavin.

💬 Ask Nia