Kavanaugh is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname "Ó Caomhánach," which means "descendant of Caomhán." The name Caomhán comes from the Gaelic word "caomh" meaning "gentle" or "mild." Thus, Kavanaugh translates to "gentle descendant."
The Kavanaugh family name is believed to have originated in County Roscommon, Ireland. According to Irish records, the first person with the surname Kavanaugh was recorded in the 13th century during a census taken by the English government.
Over time, the name has been anglicized and spelled in various ways, including Cavanagh, Cavanaugh, and Kavanuagh. Despite these variations, all these names trace back to the original Irish surname Ó Caomhánach.
In terms of its history, Kavanaugh was initially a family name, but it has since evolved into a given name as well. It is not as commonly used today compared to some other Irish names, but it can still be found in various parts of the world where there is a significant Irish diaspora.
Overall, Kavanaugh is a unique and historic Irish name with a gentle meaning that reflects its origins.
"According to the Social Security Administration's data on U.S. baby names, the name Kavanaugh was given to five newborns in the United States during the year 2004."