Summary

The surname Galvin is of Irish origin and has a rich history. It is derived from the Gaelic name “Ó Gealbháin,” which means “descendant of Galbhán.” Galbhán was a personal name meaning “light-colored” or “bright.” The Galvin clan is believed to have originated in County Clare and later spread to various parts of Ireland. Over time, many individuals with the surname Galvin emigrated to different countries, particularly the United States.
There are
11882
Galvins in the USA
Galvin is the
3018th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Galvin

RichardGalvin

Richard Galvin was an Irish politician who served as a member of the Irish Senate and later as Lord Mayor of Cork in the early 20th century.

NoraGalvin

Nora Galvin was an Irish-American suffragette and women's rights activist who played a significant role in advocating for women's right to vote in the early 20th century.

TimGalvin

Tim Galvin is a retired professional basketball player from the United States who had a successful career in the NBA in the 1990s.

SaoirseGalvin

Saoirse Galvin is an Irish actress known for her roles in various critically acclaimed films and theater productions.

KevinGalvin

Kevin Galvin is an American entrepreneur and business executive who founded a successful technology company in the 1990s.

MaryGalvin

Mary Galvin is a renowned chemist and professor known for her groundbreaking research in the field of nanotechnology.

SeanGalvin

Sean Galvin is an Irish musician and composer who is widely recognized for his contributions to traditional Irish music.

EileenGalvin

Eileen Galvin is a British author and poet known for her critically acclaimed works exploring themes of identity and belonging.

DanielGalvin

Daniel Galvin is a celebrity hairstylist known for his work with numerous high-profile clients in the entertainment industry.

PatrickGalvin

Patrick Galvin was an Irish poet and playwright who is known for his works exploring themes of social justice and the Irish working-class experience.

Galvin Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Galvin' is of Gaelic origin and is derived from the Irish name Ó Gealbháin, meaning 'descendant of Gealbhán.' Gealbhán itself is a personal name derived from geal, meaning 'bright' or 'white.' The surname Galvin is primarily associated with County Clare in Ireland.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Galvin' has a significant presence in Ireland, particularly in County Clare. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Ireland and in Irish diaspora communities, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Galvin' include 'Galvayne' and 'Gavin.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Galvin' have migrated and emigrated from Ireland to various countries, particularly during periods of Irish emigration, such as the Great Famine in the 19th century. Many Irish Galvins settled in the United States and the United Kingdom.