Gavan as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Gavan

What is the meaning of the name Gavan ?

The baby name Gavan is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced /ˈɡævən/ (GAV-ən); sometimes /ˈɡeɪvən/ (GAY-vən).

Gavan is Irish (Gaelic), Scottish in Origin.

Gavan is a modern respelling of Gavin, the Scottish form of the medieval name Gawain. The lineage traces to Welsh Gwalchmei, built on gwalch “hawk” with a second element mei whose sense is debated - often read as “May” or equated with gwyn “white.” Accordingly, Gavan is commonly interpreted as “hawk of May” or “white hawk,” with both glosses accepted in onomastic literature.

Usage of the name spread through the prestige of Sir Gawain, the courteous knight of Arthurian legend, and Gavin became established in Scotland from the Middle Ages, later revived across the English-speaking world. Gavan arose as an alternative spelling in the 20th century, particularly in Ireland, Britain, and Australia. Related forms include Gavin, Gavyn, Gaven; medieval Gawain/Gawaine; and the Welsh Gwalchmei. Diminutives and short forms include Gav and, less often, Vann.