KAVANAGH, CAVANAGH :
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Caomhánach. This name indicates fosterage, and mean "belonging to Caomhán". The family derives its name and descent from Domhnall Caomhnach, son of Diarmaid Mac Murchadha,who was King of Leinster (in the 12th century). He was so called from having been fostered by the successor of St Caomhan at Kilcavan, nr. Gorey. The patrimony of the family lay in the present counties of Carlow and Wexford.
Mac Murchadha Caomhánach (MacMURROUGH KAVANAGH), is the usual form in Leinster. This is a genuine Irish personnal name, and is the name of the head of the family of MacMurrough of St Cavan's, or KAVANAGH of Leinster.
O Caomháin, O Caomhánach, is the form of the name in Muster, Connacht, Westmeath, Kilkenny and Offaly; a genuine "O" surname beloging to the oldest class of native Irish surnames. It means "descendent of Caomhán" translated, "comely/mild". The name of no fewer than 15 Irish saints, this is the name of a branch of the Ui Fiachrach (an illustrious clan) in Sligo and Mayo.
O Coamhánaigh (area as above) is another genuine ancient "O" surname meaning "descendent of Caomhánach" from Caomh "comely/mild". This surname, which is common in the spoken language of Connacht and West Munster, appears everywhere side by side with O Caomháin of which it seems to be merely a modern variant.
Ndlr : Published in 1987 by Shournach designs ltd, Ireland
Les armoiries des Kavanagh
