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Archiver > GENIRE > 2002-04 > 1019481386


From: Claire <>
Subject: Re: GAVIN/GARVIN
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 13:16:26 GMT
References: <3cc02c7f@usenet.per.paradox.net.au>


<<...information as to whether our family name of Garvin is, indeed, a
mistaken variant of Gavin and, if so, did it happen only this once or
were there others? (On the other hand,
of course, it might well be that the Garvin name is as old and
widespread as Gavin...>>


Per MacLysaght's THE SURNAMES OF IRELAND:

"(O) Garvan. ó Garbháin (garbh, rough). A Munster family akin to the
Moriaritys in Kerry, now generally called Garvey. IF. See Garvin."

"(O) Garvin. ó Gairbhin. Frequently anglicized Garvan. The name of a
sept of the sourhtern Uí Néill which migrated to Mayo. Sometimes
changed to Garvey. See Garvan."

"(O) Gavan, Gavin. ó Gábháin, ó Gáibhín. (Woulfe derives these from
gábhadh, want, which is conjectural). The latter form is the more
numerous. Both are used in two areas to which these septs belong, viz.
north Connacht, and south Munster. Mayo is their main location now.
MIF. Map Cork."

IF = more info in MacLysaght's IRISH FAMILIES
MIF = more info in MacLysaght's MORE IRISH FAMILIES
Map Cork = unfortunately, I don't see the name on the map of Cork.
There's one name cut off in the gutter, near where Cork, Limerick, and
Tipperary all meet, that's OC or OG, but otherwise I don't see any
possibilities. Maybe someone with a better surname map (where data has
not been cut off in binding) will be able to tell you where in Cork the
(O) Garan/Gavin name is shown.

Hope that helps.
Claire K.

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