There are two possible origins for this interesting name. The first being that it is a Norman introduction since 1066, of a Roman nickname for one who had a receeding hair line (Latin - Calvanus). The second that it is an anglicization of the Irish - Gaelic O Gealbhain (The Son of the descendant of the Bright (Geal) Fair one (Ban). Usually found now as Galvin or Galvan. The name recordings and developments include Edward Galvan, St. Margarets, Lothbury on June 9th 1737, Sarah Gaulven St. Sepulchre, London, on 27th October 1826 whilst earlier in 1648, Mary Gulvin married John David on the 5th of March, at Cranbrook, Kent. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Peter Gaulvin, which was dated 1635 married Ann Lee at St. Margarets Church, Westminster, during the reign of King Charles 1, known as "The Martyr", 1625 - 1649. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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