What does the surname Kavanagh mean?

The surname Kavanagh means "Descendant of Caomhánach, meaning gentle or kind.". It is of Irish origin.

How common is the Kavanagh surname?

There are approximately 110,000 people with the surname Kavanagh in the United States.

Are there Kavanagh soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 169 soldiers with the Kavanagh surname appear in Civil War records.

Kavanagh

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Caomhánach, meaning gentle or kind.

Etymology

Derived from the Irish Caomhánach, from the personal name Caomhán. The surname is associated with County Carlow and County Wexford in Leinster.

About the Kavanagh Surname

Kavanagh is a Leinster surname with roots in the Carlow and Wexford areas of southeast Ireland. The name is associated with a prominent family that maintained independence and influence in medieval Ireland.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 110,000 bearers in the United States #378 most common surname

Rare Common

Concentrated in Leinster, particularly in County Carlow, County Wexford, and County Kilkenny.

Kavanagh Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

Origin: Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Estimated Bearers: 110,000

War Records

169 soldiers with the Kavanagh surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →