Navin origin is patronymic, belonging to the category of surnames derived from the forename of the original bearer's father...Navin is a variant for of the name Nevin, which is an angliciazation of the Irish name MacCnaimhin, denoting the son of Cnamhan, possibly derived for the Irish name cnamh,meaning bone. MacCnaimhin is the name of a sept of Ui Maine, and the name appears frequently in the annals from 1159 onwards in the Co. Galway homeland. The chief resided at Crannagh-MacNevin, in the parish of Tynagh, near Loughrea, and the family held considerable property there until recent times. Hugh MacKnavin, Chief of the name, was hanged in 1602 for the participation in the resistance to Elizabethan aggression in Ireland. Bearers of the name were also famous as both poets & physicians... Three bearers of the name, Gilpatrick, Lucas & Patrick, are represented by long poems in the book of Magauran. The most celebrated of the physicians was William James MacNevin (1763-1841), who was involved in the Rising of '98. and his Uncle Baron MacNevin (1723-1790), who emigrated to Austria, was physician to the Empress Maria Theresa. Thomas MacNevin was a distinguished member of the Young Ireland movement of the 19th century. Modern times the name is indeed quite scattered, in the form of Navin (Knavin) it is now chiefly found in Co. Mayo. In west Clare the name has been changed to Neville also.
Blazon of Arms:Azure, on a fess between in chief an incresent and a decresent and in base a palm branch argent, a crescent of the first.
Translation:Azure(blue) denotes truth and loyalty. Argent(white) signifies Peace & sincerity.
