Last Name Kavanaugh

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kavanaugh

The meaning and origin of the last name Kavanaugh

The surname Kavanaugh is of Irish origin, specifically from County Armagh in Northern Ireland. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ceann Eitigh", which translates to "head of yew tree". In Irish heraldry, a yew tree was often used as a symbol of long life and strength. The name Kavanaugh, like many Irish names, was anglicized during the English colonization of Ireland as part of an effort to standardize surnames for administrative purposes. Today, it is most prevalent in the United States due to Irish immigration during the 19th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kavanaugh

The surname Kavanaugh is predominantly associated with Ireland and the United States, particularly in regions with strong Irish ancestry. In Ireland, it's most commonly found in counties such as Leinster, Ulster, and Munster. In the U.S., it's particularly prevalent in areas with high Irish-American populations, including states like Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries due to Irish immigration waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kavanaugh

The surname Kavanaugh has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include:

1. Cavanagh: This is one of the most common spelling variations, especially among Irish descendants. It is believed to originate from the Gaelic name 'O'Cabháin', meaning 'descendant of Cabhan'.
2. Kavanaugh, Cavnaugh, Kavanogh, Cavanaugh: These are phonetic variations that emerged due to different pronunciation and spelling interpretations over time.
3. Keaveney, Keavney, Keevey, Keevy: These are additional Irish-based variants derived from 'O'Cabháin'.
4. Cavanaugh, Cavnaough, Kavanoug, etc.: Occasionally, you may find other spellings that are less common but still related to the original name.
5. Keavon, Keaven, Kaven: Shortened versions or slight modifications of Kavanaugh, especially among immigrants and their descendants who adopted simplified forms of their surnames for easier pronunciation in English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the last name Kavanaugh

Brett Michael Kavanaugh is a well-known figure associated with the last name Kavanaugh. He served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 2018, following his nomination by President Donald Trump. Prior to this, Kavanaugh had a distinguished career as a judge, serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit since 2006. His confirmation hearing was marked by controversy due to allegations of sexual assault, which he denied. Edward Francis Kavanaugh, born in 1948, is another notable individual with the same surname. He was a prominent American politician who served as the Mayor of Baltimore from 1987 to 1999 and later as Governor of Maryland from 2007 until 2015. Both Brett Kavanaugh and Edward Kavanaugh have left significant marks in their respective fields, making them notable individuals with the last name Kavanaugh.

Genealogical research on the last name Kavanaugh

The surname Kavanaugh is primarily of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Mhuircheartha or O'Cahan, meaning "descendant of Cahann or Cahan." The family's ancestral home was located in Ulster, specifically in County Antrim, Ireland. The most notable branch of this lineage is the McKeever/Kavanagh Clan, which was one of the seven chief clans of Ulster. During the 17th century, many Kavanaghs emigrated from Ireland due to religious and political persecution, settling primarily in the United States, particularly in Maryland, where they played significant roles in early American history. Some well-known figures with the surname include Brett Kavanaugh, a current Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and Brian Kavanagh, an American politician serving as a member of the New York State Senate.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kavanaugh"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025