C
Masculine
English
Meaning & History
Cavan is an anglicized given name that derives either from the name of an Irish county or directly from the Irish surname Cavan. When used as a given name, it is principally English in usage and masculine. The county place-name, County Cavan, comes from Irish cabhán meaning "hollow," referring to a hollow or depression in the landscape. The Irish surname Cavan (Ó Cabhán or Mac Cabhán) is also ultimately derived from the same word, meaning "descendant or son of the hollow one."
Etymology and Historical Context
The two possible sources share a common root in the Gaelic word cabhán. The county town of Cavan was founded around 1300 by the Irish clan chief Giolla Íosa Ruadh O’Reilly, and it served as a center of the O'Reilly stronghold in East Breifne. The founders included orders such as the Dominican and later Franciscan friars. The anglicization of these Gaelic words into Cavan began during the 16th century anglicization of Irish place-names. As a given name, Cavan appears mostly in English-speaking contexts as a masculine first name, though it also functions as a surname.Regional Presence and Usage
Though rare, the given name Cavan is occasionally used in English-speaking countries, particularly where Irish heritage is strong. It does not appear in the top ranks of names but maintains a modest presence. Related and equivalent names include the Irish Caomhán, English Kavan, and the formal Gaelic form Cabhán.- Meaning: "hollow" (from Irish cabhán)
- Origin: Irish (Gaelic)
- Type: Place- or Surname-derived
- Usage Regions: Principally English-speaking countries
Sources: Wikipedia — Cavan