KAVANAGH
Kavanagh
Origin The surname Kavanagh is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Caomhánach", meaning "comely one". The Kavanagh clan originates from County Carlow in Ireland and has a long and prestigious history.
History The Kavanagh family was one of the most notable and powerful Gaelic families in Ireland, particularly in the region of southern Leinster. They were associated with the kingdom of Osraige and were influential in local politics and warfare.
One of the most famous members of the Kavanagh family was Art MacMurrough Kavanagh, commonly known as "Art Kavanagh". He was a 19th-century Irish politician, landowner, and artist, who overcame physical disabilities to become a respected figure in Irish society.
The Kavanagh surname spread beyond Ireland to countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States due to Irish emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Notable People
- Art MacMurrough Kavanagh (1831–1889) – Irish politician and artist.
- Rory Kavanagh – Irish Gaelic footballer who played for Donegal.
- Luke Kavanagh – British entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Variants Variations of the Kavanagh surname include Kavanaugh, Cavanaugh, and Kavanah.
Coat of Arms The Kavanagh family crest typically depicts a red lion rampant on a silver shield, symbolising strength and courage. The crest is often accompanied by the family motto "Lamh Dearg Eirinn" which translates to "The Red Hand of Ireland".
There are approximately 11,163 people named Kavanagh in the UK. That makes it the 821st most common surname in Britain. Around 171 in a million people in Britain are named Kavanagh.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Joanne
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Cavanagh
- Cavanaugh
- Cavanah
- Cavagna
- Cavana
- Cavagnah
- Cavanan
- Cavaneugh
- Cavangh
- Cavanna
- Cavannagh
- Cavannah
- Cavannaugh
- Cavanough
- Cavanugh
- Cavena
- Cavenagh
- Cavenaugh
- Cavenay
- Caving
- Cavnagh
- Cavnangh
- Coffing
- Cuffing
- Gafencu
- Gaffing
- Gavanagh
- Goving
- Guvenc
- Kafanke
- Kafena
- Kavagh
- Kavaghnah
- Kavan
- Kavana
- Kavanach
- Kavanah
- Kavanaugh
- Kavangh
- Kavannagh
- Kavannah
- Kavany
- Kavarana
- Kavena
- Kavenagh
- Kavenga
- Kavnagh
- Kavungu
- Kevanagh
- Kivanc
- Kavanal
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.