Surname Carvan - Meaning and Origin

Carvan: What does the surname Carvan mean?

The last name Carvan is a variant spelling of the Irish and Scottish surname Carrigan. This last name is an Anglicised version of the Gaelic surname "Ó Carraigín," which literally translates to mean descendant of Carraigín.

The Irish Gaelic personal name “Carraigín” is derived from “carraig,” which means rock, crag, or cliff. This is believed to be a reference to people born in places surrounded by rocks or other geographical formations.

Carvan is a relatively rare surname, particularly in the United States, where the surname remains mostly concentrated in southern states. According to data from the US Census Bureau, the last name Carvan ranks 6,264th in the US, with fewer than 700 people bearing the name.

The Carvan family is believed to have been in Scotland prior to moving to Ireland. Many of the family’s members are thought to have come to the United States before the mid-1800s. They settled in southern states and ultimately spread throughout the United States.

The Carvan family is known to be good natured, calm and collected. They are known for being loyal and devoted friends who are always willing to help those in need. They are fiercely protective of their family and friends and supportive of their communities.

Carvan: Where does the name Carvan come from?

The last name Carvan is a common surname today primarily in countries with predominantly Catholic or Catholic-influenced populations, such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.

In the United States, the earliest known record of the Carvan surname was found in Maine in 1790. Census records show that in the 1800s and 1900s, Irish immigrants to the United States brought the name Carvan with them. This explains why there is a higher concentration of the name in states with significant Irish-American populations, such as Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

In the United Kingdom, Carvan is another name for the Cavan surname, which is mainly found in Ireland. The Irish Cavan surname is an Anglicized version of the Irish name "Mac an Mhaoir," meaning "son of the tenancy steward." Records of the name in Ireland date all the way back to 1430, and it was likely brought to Great Britain from Ireland centuries ago.

In France, Carvan is a variant of Caron, which is derived from the Latin word “karbone," meaning "coal." This name was likely given to blacksmiths who used coal to forge iron and steel.

Given its prevalence in mainly Catholic countries, it is clear that the Carvan surname has a long and storied history.

Variations of the surname Carvan

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Carvan include Carven, Carvun, Carvin, Carvyn, Carvynne, Carvenne, Carvann, and Carvanno. These various spellings of the Carvan surname can be tied to various cultural and geographical backgrounds, indicating that the surname has historically been used by many different groups of people.

The surname Carvan as a variant spelling appeared first in the UK during the Middle Ages. It was a popular variation used by several families who moved to England from either France or Scotland. It is generally believed that these individuals originated from the MacCarvan Clan of Scotland who were descended from the Earl of Strathclyde in the twelfth century. Other forms of the surname Carvan that have been documented include Carvane, Carvinne, Carun, Carvil, and Carven.

The surname Carvan was also used in Ireland throughout the medieval period and was used by individuals of both Gaelic Irish and Norman French descent. In Ireland, the Carvan surname was most common in the counties of Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, and Cavan. Other spellings of the surname Carvan seen in Ireland include Kervan, Kaven, Kerry, and Kervay.

The surname Carvan can also be found in continental Europe. Carvan is a variant spelling of the surname Cavana, which is a toponymic surname derived from the Italian region of the same name. The Cavana surname is believed to have originated from a noble aristocratic family from the area in Italy and it was eventually adapted and adopted into a variety of spellings, including Carvan.

Overall, the surname Carvan can be viewed as a unique but also varied surname with many different cultural and geographical origins. The various spellings that have arisen from the Carvan surname are testament to the historical diversity of the individuals who have carried it throughout the centuries.

Famous people with the name Carvan

• Gavin Carvan: actor best known for his roles in films such as "The Discount", "Suburban Assault" and "The Infinite Lives of Maude Stroud".
• Michael Carvan: three-time Emmy Award-winning actor from shows such as "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "ER", and "The West Wing".
• Ciaran Carvan: Irishesse-born professional footballer who played for Bohemians and Dundalk Football Club in the League of Ireland.
• Anna Carvan: famed Irish folk singer and songwriter who was included in Rolling Stone's list of the "Top 100 Irish Musicians of the 20th Century".
• Declan Carvan: multi-talented Irish dancer, choreographer, and actor who made his debut in stage production of "Riverdance".
• Martina Carvan: former model who was featured in famous advertisements for brands such as L'Oréal, Burger King, and Maybelline.
• Moira Carvan: critically acclaimed painter and installation artist who is best known for her colorful, abstract works.
• Alastair Carvan: British professional rugby player who represented England in two Rugby World Cups.
• Sarah Carvan: British Airshow performer and stunt pilot best known for her daring aerobatic stunts.
• Caity Carvan: Australian YouTuber and vlogger who is known for her fashion, makeup, and beauty videos.

Other surnames

CarvajalCarvalhalCarvalho