Kavanagh (surname) Kavanagh (surname) Kavanagh or Kavanaugh is a surname of Irish origin, Caomhánach in Irish Gaelic. It is properly "Mac Murchadha Caomhánach" (an example of an Irish agnomen; see "Ó Catharnaigh Sionnach" or Fox of Fir Teathbha), but is often now rendered 'Caomhánach' or rarely 'Ó Caomhánaigh'. "Kavanagh" and "Kavanaugh" are anglicised variations of the Irish Gaelic surname Caomhánach (Cʌoṁʌ̃nʌċ in traditional Gaelic script). The surname was first assumed by Domhnall Caomhánach (the eldest son of the 12th century King of Leinster, Diarmait Mac Murchada) in Ireland. A considerable number of anglicised variations of Caomhánach exist, with some of the most
Kennedy (surname) Kennedy (surname) Kennedy, alternately O'Kennedy and Kennedie, is a surname of Irish and Scottish origin that has also been used as a given name. There have been several different etymologies given for the surname. One is that the name is an Anglicisation of "Ó Cinnéide", meaning "grandson of "Cinnédidh"" or "grandson of "Cinnéidigh"", with both of these personal names meaning "helmet headed." "Ceanéidigh" could be related to the old Gaelic name "Cennétig", which is known from Cennétig Mac Lorcáin, the father of the Irish high king "Brian mac Cennétig", who himself was also known as "Brian Bóruma" or Brian Boru.