Origin & Meaning of the Kavanaugh Surname
What does the last name Kavanaugh mean?
The surname Kavanaugh 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 5,611 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kavanaugh ranks as the #6,109 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kavanaugh come from?
The Kavanaugh 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 Kavanaugh name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kavanaugh 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 | Kavanaugh |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,109 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,611 |
| Per 100K People | 1.9 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kavanaugh
According to the US Census, the Kavanaugh surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,611 Americans with the Kavanaugh last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.77% |
| Black | 3.62% |
| Hispanic | 2.85% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 1.75% |
Popularity of Kavanaugh Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kavanaugh surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kavanaugh surname increased by 86 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kavanaugh Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kavanaugh ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Kavanaugh Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kavanaugh Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kavanaugh
- ✓ The Kavanaugh coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kavanaugh families live today
- ✓ Notable Kavanaugh bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Kavanaugh
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kavanaugh.
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 Kavanaugh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kavanaugh
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Kavanaugh surname also look for: