Galvan or Galván is a surname that predates the existence of Spain. The first recorded Galvan in history was from Ireland. During the Spanish inquisition, Spain decided to force anyone they conquered to assimilate to the Spanish culture. The surname Galvan does not translate to anything in Spanish. The accent over the second A was adopted by the Spanish to accommodate their language. Notable people with the surname include:
Anna Galvan (born 1978), New Zealand netball playerCarlos Galván (born 1973), Argentine footballerDavid Galván (born 1973), Mexican long-distance runnerDiego Galván (born 1982), Argentine footballerElias Gabriel Galvan (born 1938), Mexican-American Methodist bishopGuillermo Galván Galván (born 1943), Mexican generalIsrael Galván (born 1973), Spanish dancer and choreographerJavier Galván (born 1966), Mexican politicianJesús Galván Carrillo (born 1974), Spanish footballerJorge Galvan (born 1966), Mexican writer and engineerJosé Galván (born 1981), Argentine footballerJuan Galván, Spanish explorerLuis Galván (born 1948), Argentine footballerMartín Galván (born 1993), Mexican footballerMatteo Galvan (born 1988), Italian sprinterMiguel Galván (1957–2008), Mexican comedian and actorPedro Galván (died 1892), Mexican general and politicianPedro Joaquín Galván (born 1985), Argentine footballerRubén Galván (boxer) (born 1972), Mexican-American boxerRubén Galván (footballer) (born 1952), Argentine footballerVictoria Galvan (born 1986), Mexican-American singer