According to Matsyapurāṇa (Matsyapurana), Āpnuvān (Apnuvan) is one of the sons of Paulamī (Paulami), sired by Maharṣi (Maharshi; Great Sage) Bhṛgu (Bhrigu). He is the father of Aurvva (Aurva).
Āpnuvān is also one of the gotra-pravartaka (one who pioneers a clan) sages belonging to the genealogical or disciple-wise line from Bhṛgu (Bhrigu), as mentioned in Matsyapurāṇa.