Surname O'Davin - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
O'Davin: What does the surname O'Davin mean?
The last name O'Davin is of Irish origins and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "O'Daimhín" which comes from the personal first name of "Daimhín". It is a form of the Irish-Gaelic name "Damhán" which is believed to have derived from the word "dam", which means "ox". The O’Davin surname is associated with counties Kerry, Offaly, and Cork although there are other places which may be associated with it.
The O’Davin surname is believed to have been first found in County Kerry where Daimhín O'Daimhín was chief of the Corca Luighe of the main lineage of Corca Dhuibhne during the 13th century. He belonged to Clann Mhuircheartaigh, a sept of the Corca Luighe, which were descended from Lughaidh, King of Munster who reigned in the second century.
People with the O'Davin last name are believed to have been proud people of strong convictions, with the ability to persistently pursue their goals despite obstacles. They tend to possess a strong spirit and wit, and a keen eye for spotting potential opportunity, which they know how to take advantage of. In addition, they have a great love of the traditional way of life in their ancestral homeland, which they carry with them wherever they go.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Davin: Where does the name O'Davin come from?
The last name O'Davin is most common throughout Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom today. There is also evidence of the name in Scotland, which may trace its roots back to Irish ancestors. The surname is found in lower concentrations throughout Europe, particularly around Germany. Additionally, some studies show that the name is present in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada.
The name "O’Davin" is an Anglicized version of the Irish surname “O’Davnian”, which is derived from the old Gaelic word “Daimhin”, which roughly translates to “little pride”. It was an imagination of fierce bravery, and was a symbol of many old Irish clans. The O'Davins may have been an off-branch of the O'Neill clan, and were among the most powerful families in Ireland.
The O'Davin name has been known to attach itself to some famous figures, such as Irish sportsman Cian O'Davian; Catholic martyr Edmund O'Davian; Irish soldier Edward O'Davian; and a number of other influential people throughout Europe and North America.
Family crests and tartans belonging to O'Davin families tend to feature a white-haired wild boar in a bright red circle, symbols of courage and strength. The symbols hint at the long history of the family in which clan members proudly forged their weapons, tools, and armour from the assets around them. Interestingly, O’Davin is one of a select number of Irish surnames that can be found in Scotland.
Altogether, it is clear that the last name O'Davin remains pervasive in the British Isles, and has found some success in making its way around the world.
Variations of the surname O'Davin
The surname O’Davin is an Irish patronymic surname derived from the Gaelic name “Ó Damháin”. The original form of the name is Gaelic, but there are many variants available due to the translation of the Gaelic name into other languages and its spelling over the years.
Variations of the name include:
O’Damháin, Dobbáin, Davan, Davane, Daven, Davent, Davin, Davine, Davon, Davyn, Devane, Devaney, Deven, Devine, Dobbain, Dobbin, Duvally, Duvane, O'Devane, O'Devaney, O'Devin, O'Dobbin, and O'Dubhain.
Surnames that have the same origin as O’Davin but have branched off over time include: Duffin, Duffiel, Duffin, Duffine, Duffon, and O'Doveen.
O’Davin is also sometimes spelled differently, either due to bad handwriting or phonetic variations such as: O'Daven, O’Devine, O’Dobbain, O’Duven, O’Duvin, O’Divein, and O’Divin.
The most common alternative spelling is Davin, which is the same surname with a different spelling. The name Davin is more popular in America and is usually pronounced differently (DA-vin).
No matter the variation or spelling of the name, all forms of the O’Davin surname were derived from the same Irish Gaelic roots and all share a common history.
Famous people with the name O'Davin
- Orlagh O'Davin: American actress known for her roles in films such as Bakin' Tap, Blur, and Kari
- Sean O'Davin: Irish singer and songwriter
- Paul O'Davin: American actor best known for his roles in films such as King Zack, Chatterbox, and Too Late
- Finbar O'Davin: Irish actor and comedic performer
- Davin O'Davin: American actor, singer, and musician
- Jack O'Davin: American actor and stand-up comedian
- Michael O'Davin: Irish actor, writer, director, and producer
- P J O'Davin: Irish Television presenter and regular guest on the popular late-night Irish talk show The Late Late Show
- Emma O'Davin: Irish singer and songwriter
- Robert O'Davin: American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his films such as The Reds and The Great Gatsby