KAVANAUGH

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Kavanaugh

Surname: Kavanaugh
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Derived from the Gaelic name "Caomhánach", which means "son of Caomhán", a personal name that means "gentle" or "comely".

History: Kavanaugh is an Irish surname that originated from the medieval Irish clans. The Kavanaugh family was part of the ancient Gaelic aristocracy in Ireland, with their stronghold in County Kerry. They were known for their influence and leadership in the region.

Notable People:

  1. Brett Kavanaugh (1965-): American lawyer and jurist, currently serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Despite being of Irish descent, Kavanaugh has gained international recognition for his legal career in the United States.

  2. Catherine E. Kavanaugh (1863-1903): An English poet and author known for her romantic and nature-inspired poetry. Kavanaugh's works were celebrated for their lyrical beauty and emotional depth.

Distribution: The surname Kavanaugh is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in regions such as Kerry and Cork. However, due to Irish migration, Kavanaugh families can also be found in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Variants: Variants of the surname Kavanaugh include Kavanagh, Cavanaugh, Kavanaw, and Keevan. These variations may have developed over time due to regional accents or phonetic alterations.

Coat of Arms: The Kavanaugh coat of arms typically features symbols such as lions, swords, and crosses, representing strength, honour, and faith. The exact design of the coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the Kavanaugh family.

References:

  1. Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
  2. O'Hart, J. (1892). Irish Pedigrees or the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. James Duffy & Co.

There are approximately 28 people named Kavanaugh in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Fewer than one in a million people in Britain are named Kavanaugh.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Jamie
  • John
  • Luke
  • Simon
  • Steven

Female

  • Caroline
  • Jennifer
  • Kimberly
  • Nora
  • Stayce

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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