Find out how popular the first name Cavanaugh has been for the last 21 years (from 2002 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cavanaugh by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Cavanaugh is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cavanaugh.

The history of the first name Cavanaugh

The given name Cavanaugh has its origins in the Irish language and culture. It is a variant of the Irish surname Cavanagh, which is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Cabháin. This surname is derived from the Irish word "cabhan," meaning "an ancient tree" or "a lean, withered person."

The name Cavanaugh is believed to have emerged in the medieval period, specifically in the region of County Longford, Ireland. It was initially used as a surname by descendants of the Gaelic Ó Cabháin clan, who were known for their prominence in the area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cavanaugh can be found in the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history compiled in the 17th century. The annals mention a certain Muircheartach Ó Cabhán, who lived in the 14th century and served as the Chief of Calry.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cavanaugh. One such figure was Sir Hugh Cavanaugh (1556-1628), an Irish military officer who served in the Spanish Army of Flanders during the Eighty Years' War against the Dutch Republic.

Another prominent figure was John Cavanaugh (1817-1892), an Irish-American Catholic priest and educator. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, where he served as the first president from 1846 to 1857.

In the field of literature, John Cavanaugh (1876-1944) was an American author and journalist who wrote several books on American history and politics, including "The Travels and Travails of the Great Scouts and Early Explorers" (1941).

In the realm of sports, Jack Cavanaugh (1928-2018) was an American basketball coach who led the Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team to numerous successful seasons, including an NCAA championship in 1963.

Lastly, Kathleen Cavanaugh (1929-2020) was an American singer and actress who achieved fame in the 1950s and 1960s. She appeared in several Broadway musicals and television shows, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Bell Telephone Hour."

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cavanaugh was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cavanaugh, please contact us.

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