Origin & Meaning of the Cavanaugh Surname
What does the last name Cavanaugh mean?
The surname Cavanaugh carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 17,577 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cavanaugh ranks as the #2,049 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cavanaugh come from?
The Cavanaugh surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cavanaugh name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cavanaugh trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cavanaugh |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,049 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,577 |
| Per 100K People | 5.96 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cavanaugh
According to the US Census, the Cavanaugh surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,577 Americans with the Cavanaugh last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.11% |
| Black | 2.72% |
| Hispanic | 2.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 1.74% |
| Two or More Races | 1.6% |
Popularity of Cavanaugh Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cavanaugh surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cavanaugh surname increased by 440 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Cavanaugh
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Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Cavanaugh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cavanaugh
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