Description:
Gavan is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó Gábháin, meaning “descendant of Gábhán”. The given name Gábhán is derived from the Irish word for smith. The Gavan family is associated with County Clare in the west of Ireland. The Gavan family were one of the “Tribes of Galway”, a group of fourteen families that held political power in the city of Galway in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Gavan family were one of the most powerful families in the group, and were known for their loyalty and support of the Catholic Church. The Gavan family is still prominent in County Clare today, and many of its members are involved in politics, business, and culture. Variations of the Gavan surname include Gavaghan, Gavigan, and Gavigan.
