From Caomhánach, ‘of Kilcavan's fosterage’ — direct descendants of Diarmait Mac Murchadha, the king whose invitation brought the Normans to Ireland in 1169.
The Kavanagh certificate.
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Gaelic Origin · Root meaning ‘fostered at Kilcavan’
Kavanagh descends from Domhnall Caomhánach, son of Diarmait Mac Murchadha, King of Leinster — the very king whose 1166 exile and 1169 invitation brought Strongbow and the Normans to Ireland. Caomhánach itself likely names his fosterage at Kilcavan, near Gorey.
A name carrying more weight of consequence than almost any other on this list — the direct line of the king who changed Ireland's entire history, for better and worse, in a single decision.
Irish form: Mac Murchadha Caomhánach
