Origin & Meaning of the Kavanagh Surname
What does the last name Kavanagh mean?
The surname Kavanagh carries the meaning "Place or field." It is derived from the Irish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,301 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kavanagh ranks as the #6,414 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kavanagh come from?
The Kavanagh surname has its roots in Irish heritage. Names of Irish 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 Kavanagh name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kavanagh trace back to Irish Gaelic. 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 | Kavanagh |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Place or field |
| Origin | Irish |
| Language | Irish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,414 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,301 |
| Per 100K People | 1.8 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kavanagh
According to the US Census, the Kavanagh surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,301 Americans with the Kavanagh last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.57% |
| Black | 1.89% |
| Hispanic | 2.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.92% |
| Native American | 0.13% |
| Two or More Races | 1.28% |
Popularity of Kavanagh Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kavanagh surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kavanagh surname increased by 332 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kavanagh Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kavanagh ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Kavanagh
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kavanagh.
Other Irish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Irish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Irish origin as Kavanagh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kavanagh
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Kavanagh surname also look for: