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ArchivesThe Real Origin of Gavin
Hello everyone,
My name is Gavin, and I am curious about a question I have for the origin of the name Gavin, I am currently writing a paper about my idea and I would love to have other opinions...or...maybe some helpful information.
To date, when we look for the origin of the name Gavin we are given a story that says the origin of the name is not known, but a Celtic origin with a reference to a white bird or white hawk is most likely.
However, I have a different theory. I believe that the name has a Latin origin, and the Romans brought this name to the Celtic tribes during their occupation.
Why???
1) Documented evidence
2) Similar meanings
The Celtic theory says that Gavin is a variant of Gawain / Gwalchgyn with the meaning of "white hawk."
And while it is completely possible that the Celtic tribes have an oral tradition for this name, the first written records do not appear until the Middle Ages with works such as "Le Mort d'Arthur." Until writing en masse was used by Celtic cultures, there is no real written evidence for this name. Also we really do not see this name occurring in the Celtic regions until the popularity of this book reached its height.
The Latin theory has more weight in my personal opinion.
The Latin name Gavinus, the Italian variants Gavino and Gabino, has a long documented history of usage that goes back to the Early Roman Republic. It is a name that has a stronger usage in southern Italy, however, records of this name are found throughout the Roman Republic and Roman Empire.
I know that it is possible that similar names can be developed independently by difference cultures and languages. However, I find it interesting that their is a similar meaning being shared for these names by both cultures.
With the Celtic origin, the name names "white hawk." But the Latin name and variants all mean "white falcon." So both origins share a reference for a white bird of prey.
I feel that these two factors should give enough weight to suggest that the Latin origin might have more credibility.
What do the people here think?
Thanks for any comments.
My name is Gavin, and I am curious about a question I have for the origin of the name Gavin, I am currently writing a paper about my idea and I would love to have other opinions...or...maybe some helpful information.
To date, when we look for the origin of the name Gavin we are given a story that says the origin of the name is not known, but a Celtic origin with a reference to a white bird or white hawk is most likely.
However, I have a different theory. I believe that the name has a Latin origin, and the Romans brought this name to the Celtic tribes during their occupation.
Why???
1) Documented evidence
2) Similar meanings
The Celtic theory says that Gavin is a variant of Gawain / Gwalchgyn with the meaning of "white hawk."
And while it is completely possible that the Celtic tribes have an oral tradition for this name, the first written records do not appear until the Middle Ages with works such as "Le Mort d'Arthur." Until writing en masse was used by Celtic cultures, there is no real written evidence for this name. Also we really do not see this name occurring in the Celtic regions until the popularity of this book reached its height.
The Latin theory has more weight in my personal opinion.
The Latin name Gavinus, the Italian variants Gavino and Gabino, has a long documented history of usage that goes back to the Early Roman Republic. It is a name that has a stronger usage in southern Italy, however, records of this name are found throughout the Roman Republic and Roman Empire.
I know that it is possible that similar names can be developed independently by difference cultures and languages. However, I find it interesting that their is a similar meaning being shared for these names by both cultures.
With the Celtic origin, the name names "white hawk." But the Latin name and variants all mean "white falcon." So both origins share a reference for a white bird of prey.
I feel that these two factors should give enough weight to suggest that the Latin origin might have more credibility.
What do the people here think?
Thanks for any comments.
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