caven

Caven is a surname of English and Irish origin. As an English name, it is thought to derive from the personal name "Caven," which itself may be a variant of "Gavin" or "Gaven." Alternatively, it could be a locational surname, referring to someone who lived in or near a place named Caven or similar. In Ireland, the surname Caven is often an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Catháin, meaning "descendant of Cathán." Cathán is a diminutive of the personal name Cath, meaning "battle." Therefore, the Irish meaning is often interpreted as "descendant of the little warrior."

The distribution of the surname Caven shows a presence in both the United Kingdom and Ireland, with historical records indicating its existence for several centuries. Variations in spelling may exist, reflecting the historical evolution of names and regional dialectical differences. Like many surnames, individuals bearing the name Caven have contributed to various fields throughout history and in contemporary society. Further genealogical research would be required to trace specific family lines and their historical movements.