Last Name Cavin

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cavin

The meaning and origin of the last name Cavin

The surname Cavin is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French given name "Cauvin," which meant "cabbage farmer" or "dweller near a cabbage field." It is a diminutive form of "Cauve" and "Cave," which were medieval names for strong or robust men. The name was borne by several notable figures in history, including the 12th-century troubadour Gui Cavaignon, known for his courtly love poetry. The spelling variants include Cavagnon, Cavagni, Cavagno, and Cavanna, all of which are found predominantly in France, particularly in regions like Brittany and Provence. Over time, the name has been carried to other parts of Europe and the world by French settlers and emigrants, giving rise to its presence in various modern populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cavin

The surname Cavin has a notable presence in several regions across the globe, with a significant concentration observed in English-speaking countries such as England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. It also appears frequently in the United States, particularly in states like Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina, where it is believed to have been brought by early European settlers. Smaller concentrations can be found in French-speaking regions including France and Canada. Additionally, descendants of Cavin families may reside in countries they migrated to, such as Australia, New Zealand, and various South American nations. The name's distribution pattern suggests a historical link to migration routes from Europe to the Americas during colonial times.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cavin

The surname Cavin, derived from various regional origins such as England, France, and Scotland, has numerous spelling variations due to differences in transcription, transliteration, and phonetic interpretations over time. Some of the most common variations include: Cabbin, Cabban, Caven, Cavann, Cawen, Kavin, Kaevin, Kaeven, Keavin, Keaven, and Keavon. These variations may stem from regional dialects or attempts to transliterate the name in different languages. It is also possible that some of these variations represent distinct but related family lines. Ultimately, all of these spellings are considered derivatives of Cavin.

Famous people with the last name Cavin

Notable individuals with the surname Cavin include:

1. Joe Cavin (born 1936), an American former professional basketball player who played for the Philadelphia Warriors and Chicago Packers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a key member of the 1956 NBA championship team.

2. Jim Caviezel (born 1968), an American actor known for his role as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, and for portraying Charles Lindbergh in Flight, and Michael Scofield on Fox's Prison Break.

3. James Cavin (born 1972), an American former professional basketball player who played for several teams in the NBA, including the Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Clippers. He is a two-time NBA Dunk Contest champion.

4. Mia Caviezel (born 1983), Swiss-American actress, known for her roles in television series like Proof, Covert Affairs, and The Bold Type. She is the daughter of Jim Caviezel.

5. Richard Caveen (1762-1830), an English antiquary and topographer who wrote many works about Yorkshire, including his most famous work, The History and Topography of the Deanery of Pontefract in the County of York.

Genealogical research on the last name Cavin

The surname Cavin is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "cavans," meaning a cobbler. It was initially a professional name for individuals who were shoemakers or leatherworkers. The first known record of the Cavin family can be traced back to 1358 in Normandy, France, where Jean Cavin is mentioned as a witness in a local court document. Over time, the family migrated to England and later to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and various regions within Great Britain. In America, the earliest record of a Cavin family member dates back to 1635, with John Cavin arriving in Virginia. Throughout history, several notable figures bearing the surname Cavin have emerged, including American Revolutionary War soldier Joseph Cavin and British Army officer Sir Andrew Cavin, who served in both World Wars. The Cavin family continues to spread across the globe, with significant populations found in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cavin"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025