Surname MacKavanagh - Meaning and Origin
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MacKavanagh: What does the surname MacKavanagh mean?
The last name MacKavanagh is an Irish patronymic, meaning the family is descended from a male ancestor named Cavan. The literal translation of the name MacKavanagh is "son of Cavan," which was an ancient and quite popular Gaelic name of uncertain meaning. MacKavanaghs are part of the sept of MacMurrough Kavanagh, one of the ancient extended families which, like other native Irish clans, traced their origin back to the pre-Norman Irish families of royalty.
The MacKavanaghs were prominent throughout Ireland in medieval times. Some prominent MacKavanaghs became influential politicians and public servants from the 13th to the 19th centuries, often serving as the chiefs of the MacMurrough Kavanagh family. It was common for members of the MacKavanagh family to serve in the Irish army and navy and even sustain the surname through service in the British army.
The present population of the MacKavanaghs are scattered around Ireland and other parts of the world. Variously described as ‘a spirited race’ and ‘a noble family’, the MacKavanaghs today continue to have a reputation for ambition and enterprise, and many family members can be distinguished in the areas of business, the arts, and politics.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKavanagh: Where does the name MacKavanagh come from?
The surname MacKavanagh is most commonly found in Ireland. It is primarily associated with the Irish province of Leinster, particularly the counties of Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford, and Kilkenny. It was first recorded in the early 14th century when two men named William and Robert MacKavanagh were listed in Cork records.
The surname is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cathmhaoil, which translates into "son of the battle chieftain." The family can trace its roots to the Ui Dunchada Chieftains, who were ruling in Leinster in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Today, there are still many descendants of the MacKavanaghs throughout Ireland, particularly in the counties mentioned above. These Irish MacKavanaghs have spread out around the world and can now be found living in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
The name is still widespread in Ireland, and it remains the most popular spelling. Variants of the name, such as "MacKavanah", “McCavanah”, and “McCavanagh”, are also found in records in various parts of the world. There is even a clan organization in America called the MacCavanaigh Clan. It is run by descendants of the Irish MacKavanaghs living in the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname MacKavanagh
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacKavanagh include: M'Kavanagh, M'Cavanagh, M'Kavana, M'Kavan, McKavn, McKevenagh, McAvanagh, M'Kaveenagh, Mackavn, MacKevanagh, McEvanagh, M'Kevanagh, McKevnagh, McEvnagh and MacKavan.
MacKavanagh is derived from the Gaelic MacCaba cenvag, meaning “son of a ceann,” or “son of a leader”. The name may have originally been an occupational name for the “Head Man” or a leader of a group.
The surname is a fairly common one in Ireland and has been found in all of the four provinces. Although originally based in the South of Ireland, in County Offaly, it was also widespread in other parts of the country.
The Anglicised versions of the name, such as MacKavanagh, MacKavana, MacKevenagh and McEvnagh, were adopted by the Irish during the anglicisation period of the 16th and 17th centuries. Similarly, M’Kevan, M’Kavan and M’Kaveenagh developed further variants that were adopted by individuals seeking to anglicise their name.
It has been suggested that the MacKevenagh spelling is the most common variation of the surname in Ireland. It has also been suggested that, in some areas, the name was adopted from the more Gaelic MacKevenagh to become McKevenagh, a surname that has been mainly found in Counties Galway and Cork.
Famous people with the name MacKavanagh
- Richard MacKavanagh: Australian actor best known for playing Grayson Sinclair in Home and Away
- Fabian Mackavaney: Filipino professional basketball player and member of the Philippine national team
- Conor MacKavanagh: Irish Gaelic footballer
- Liz MacKavanagh: former jockey and racing analyst
- Chris MacKavanagh: professional ice hockey player
- Dave MacKavanagh: former leader of the Progressive Unionists Party in Northern Ireland
- Jennaya MacKavanagh: Canadian pop singer and songwriter
- Ryan MacKavanagh: American football player
- John MacKavanagh: former president of the Gaelic Athletic Association
- Joanne MacKavanagh: actress and writer known for roles in Ballykissangel, Holby City, and Love/Hate