Kavanagh (surname)


Kavanagh or Kavanaugh is a surname of Irish origin, Caomhánach in Irish. It is properly Mac Murchadha Caomhánach, but is often now rendered 'Caomhánach' or rarely 'Ó Caomhánaigh'.

Surname origin and history

"Kavanagh" and "Kavanaugh" are anglicised variations of the Irish surname Caomhánach. The surname was first assumed by Domhnall Caomhánach in Ireland. A considerable number of anglicised variations of Caomhánach exist, with some of the most common being: "Kavanagh", "Cavanagh", "Kavanaugh" and "Cavanaugh".
The surname was possibly adopted by Síl Fáelchán clansmen in preference to the earlier name MacMurrough, given the prestige associated with the dynamic junior line that seized the chiefship of the Uí Cheinnselaig tribal group in the High Middle Ages.

List of people surnamed Kavanagh or Kavanaugh

;Fictional characters