How common is the Gallivan surname?

There are approximately 2,000 people with the surname Gallivan in the United States.

Are there Gallivan soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 39 soldiers with the Gallivan surname appear in Civil War records.

Gallivan

Q: What does the surname Gallivan mean?

The surname Gallivan means "Descendant of Gallbhán, a personal name possibly derived from 'gall' meaning 'foreign' or 'stranger.'". It is of Irish origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Gallbhán, a personal name possibly derived from 'gall' meaning 'foreign' or 'stranger.'

Etymology

Derived from the Irish Ó Gallbháin, where 'gall' refers to foreigners or strangers, and 'bán' may mean 'white' or 'fair.' The surname was anglicized from its Irish form during the medieval period.

About the Gallivan Surname

An Irish patronymic surname derived from a personal name incorporating the element 'gall' (foreign). The name reflects Irish historical contact with foreign peoples.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 2,000 bearers in the United States #2,771 most common surname

Rare Common

Found primarily in Ireland and Irish diaspora communities, particularly in North America.

Gallivan Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Gallivan Surname

James Gallivan

Honorable

Quick Facts

Origin: Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: Medieval Ireland
Estimated Bearers: 2,000

War Records

39 soldiers with the Gallivan surname found in Civil War records.

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