name
Uncommon
Gavin
GA-vihn
Gavin (name) means a male first name with Celtic roots, popular across English-speaking countries.
name
1
A male first name with Celtic roots, popular across English-speaking countries.
2
A surname that began as a way of identifying someone as a relative of a person named Gavin.
How to use Gavin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA men's first name descended from the legendary knight Gawain's name.
Memory tip
Gavin and Gawain are historically the same name — Gavin is the modern, everyday version.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Gavins
Etymology
A medieval reshaping of Gawain, the Arthurian knight's name, which came into English from Old French Gauvain. The Scots kept the spelling "Gavin" alive, and it spread more widely from the 1960s onward.
Synonyms
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Gauvain
Gawain
Related words
Rhymes for Gavin
See all rhymes for Gavin →Frequently asked questions
What does “Gavin” mean?
The word “Gavin” means a male first name with Celtic roots, popular across English-speaking countries. In plain terms, a men's first name descended from the legendary knight Gawain's name.
How do you pronounce “Gavin”?
“Gavin” is pronounced GA-vihn (/ˈɡævɪn/ in IPA).
What part of speech is “Gavin”?
“Gavin” is a name.
Where does the word “Gavin” come from?
The word “Gavin” dates back to around 1960 and comes from Old French. A medieval reshaping of Gawain, the Arthurian knight's name, which came into English from Old French Gauvain. The Scots kept the spelling "Gavin" alive, and it spread more widely from the 1960s onward.
Is “Gavin” a common word?
“Gavin” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Gavin” have?
“Gavin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male first name with Celtic roots, popular across English-speaking countries.
Is Gavin used only as a first name, or also as a surname?
Gavin is primarily a male first name with Celtic roots, but it also exists as a surname, where it began as a way of identifying someone as a relative of a person named Gavin.
Can Gavin be shortened into a nickname?
Yes, Gavin is sometimes shortened informally to "Gav," particularly in British English, though the full form Gavin is typically used in formal or written contexts.
Is Gavin considered a traditional or modern name?
Gavin has Celtic roots and has been used across English-speaking countries for generations, giving it a traditional character even though it also remains in regular use today.
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