The name Gavin is of Celtic origin, specifically from the Scottish Gaelic name Gamhainn, which means white hawk or fair-haired warrior. Gavin has been used as a given name in Scotland since the Middle Ages and has been popularized in many English-speaking countries in the 20th century. The name Gavin is associated with several notable historical figures, including a 12th-century Scottish king, Gavin Douglas, who was a poet and bishop, and Sir Gavin Simonds, a 20th-century British lawyer and judge. Gavin is also a surname, with notable bearers including the British actor Gavin O'Herlihy and the American musician Gavin Rossdale. In addition to its association with strength and bravery, the name Gavin has also been linked to creativity and intelligence, as seen in the character Gavin Hood, a South African filmmaker and writer. Gavin has been a popular name for boys in many countries, including the United States, where it has been consistently ranked among the top 200 names since 1977. Variants of the name Gavin include Gaven, Gavyn, and Gavin. The name Gavin has been used in various cultural contexts, such as in the novel The Giver by Lois Lowry, where the protagonist is named Jonas Gavin, and in the video game Fallout 4, where the player character can choose Gavin as their name. Gavin has been associated with several positive traits, including leadership, courage, and wisdom, as seen in the character Gavin MacLeod, played by Ted Lange, in the popular TV show The Love Boat. The name Gavin has a strong, masculine sound and is often paired with traditional middle names such as Michael or David.

The root form of Gavin is Gavin — meaning Hawk of White.

Gavin remains a beloved choice, ranking #16 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.