Kavanagh surname: meaning and origin
Kavanagh means follower of Caomhán, a name meaning gentle or handsome. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Carlow and Wexford.
| Irish form | Caomhánach |
|---|---|
| Meaning | follower of Caomhán, a name meaning gentle or handsome |
| Home region | Carlow and Wexford (Leinster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Cavanagh, Kavanah |
History of the Kavanagh name
The Kavanaghs descend from Domhnall Caomhánach, son of the Leinster king Diarmait Mac Murchada, and were kings of Leinster into the sixteenth century.
More surnames from Leinster
- BrennanÓ Braonáin · descendant of Braonán
- ByrneÓ Broin · descendant of Bran
- O'CarrollÓ Cearbhaill · descendant of Cearbhall
- CullenÓ Cuilinn · descendant of Cuilean
- DoyleÓ Dubhghaill · dark foreigner
- DunneÓ Duinn · descendant of Donn
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Kavanagh mean?
Kavanagh (Irish: Caomhánach) means follower of Caomhán, a name meaning gentle or handsome.
What is the Irish spelling of Kavanagh?
The Irish-language form of Kavanagh is Caomhánach.
Where is the surname Kavanagh from?
Kavanagh is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Carlow and Wexford in Leinster.
What are other spellings of Kavanagh?
Related spellings and forms include Cavanagh, Kavanah.