Surname Cavan - Meaning and Origin
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Cavan: What does the surname Cavan mean?
The surname Cavan is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "O'Cabain," which means "descendant of Cabain." The Cabain family was a part of the ecclesiastical sept, connected with the Monastery of Drumlane in the County of Cavan in Ireland, which dates back to ancient times. The county derived its name from the term "Cabhan," meaning "The Hollow" in Irish, referring to the geography of the area. Thus, the surname Cavan signifies a historical and geographical connection to this region of Ireland. However, like many Irish surnames, Cavan is also found in Scotland, indicating a shared Celtic ancestry and migration over centuries. The surname variations include Cavan, Cavanaugh, Cavender, and others. The Cavan family crest includes a black boar, signifying bravery, courage, and fierce battling skills.
Order DNA origin analysisCavan: Where does the name Cavan come from?
The surname Cavan is of Irish origin, specifically from the Gaelic "Mac Cabhain." The name translates as "son of the hound," a term often used metaphorically in those ages to denote a hunter or a warrior. The surname was first borne by the MacCavans, an ancient Irish Clan hailing from County Cavan in Ulife, which was a province in Northern Ireland during the Middle Ages.
Today, the surname Cavan is not widely prevalent and is somewhat rare. However, it is found to a certain extent in Ireland, reflecting its Gaelic roots. It is also present in countries where Irish diaspora is significant, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Though not incredibly common, likely due to Irish emigration following the Great Famine in the 19th Century, and the subsequent loss and anglicizing of Irish surnames.
Variations of the surname Cavan
The surname Cavan can be found in many different forms throughout history all over the world, especially in Ireland where it is originated. Some of the most common variant spellings of Cavan can include Cavanaugh, Kavanaugh, Cavanagh, Cavendish, Caven, Cavenaugh, Kavanagh and Kavan. Some may also slightly alter the spelling to Cavenah or Kaughan.
These variations are mostly due to phonetic translation, regional dialects and evolution of language over time. It's also worth mentioning that in some regions of Ireland, particularly Munster, the surname can be expressed in its Irish versions such as Caomhánach. There is also a historical Irish sept (clan) known as Mac Murrough Kavanagh, derived from Donal Caomhánach, the son of Dermot MacMurrough, a 12th-century King of Leinster, hence the Kavanagh variant of the surname.
It's also common for last names to differ by the existence or lack of prefixes such as O' or Mac. Therefore, the names O'Cavanagh, O'Cavan, O'Kavanagh could have been used which signifies 'descendant of' or 'son of' Cavan or Cavanagh.
These different variations can sometimes make tracing genealogy challenging, but they provide a fascinating insight into the history and distribution of a family name.
Famous people with the name Cavan
- Kim Cavanagh: An Australian actress known for her performances in film and television.
- Jim Cavan: An author and journalist who covers sports for several popular media outlets.
- Matthew Cavan: An acclaimed actor and singer, particularly known for his work in musical theatre in Ireland.
- George Cavan: A renowned British botanist known for his work in plant taxonomy.
- Chris Cavan: A South African rugby union player who represented his country at the international level.
- Connor Cavan: An American football player who has played for multiple professional teams.
- Frank Cavan: A former Australian rules footballer who played in the Victoria Football League.
- John Cavan: An Irish film and television actor, particularly known for his work in historical dramas. Please note that while these individuals are recognized in their respective fields, their level of fame may vary. Furthermore, information about individuals with the last name "Cavan" is somewhat limited: these people are not necessarily globally well-known celebrities. The surnames might be spelled differently than requested, as the exact surname "Cavan" is quite unusual.