Caomhánach
| Caomhánach | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Country | Ireland |
| Parent house | Uí Ceinnselaig of Laigin |
| Titles | King of Leinster |
| Founder |
Domhnall Caomhánach King of Leinster (1171–1175) |
| Final ruler |
Domhnall Spainneach King of Leinster (1595–1632) |
| Current head |
Cathal Cavanagh Inaugurated 12 September 2012 |
Caomhánach (IPA: [kɯː'vaːnəx], Caoṁānaċ in traditional Gaelic type) is an Irish language surname first assumed by Domhnall Caomhánach, eldest son of the 12th century Diarmait Mac Murchada, king of Leinster (now Leinster, Ireland). A considerable number of anglicised variations of Caomhánach exist; some of the most common are Kavanagh, Cavanagh, Kavanaugh and Cavanaugh.
The Caomhánach family is a branch of the Mac Murchada dynasty which descended from Domhnall Caomhánach, eldest son of Diarmait, king of Leinster.
The historic stronghold of the family was known as Uí Ceinnselaig, and included nearly all of County Carlow and County Wexford, with parts of Counties Wicklow and Kilkenny included. The Caomhánach family maintained control of the kingship of Leinster up until the 17th century. This claim was at times disputed and resulted in nearly consistent clashes with Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland. The lion passant on the Caomhánach arms is a classic heraldic device associated with feudal power but unusual for a family of Gaelic extraction; it may be that it is intended to signify the centuries-long connection of the family with the kingship of Leinster.
It is referenced in a translation of the historical Annals of the Four Masters by John O'Donovan that Domhnall Caomhánach was fostered for his training and education at the monastery of Saint Cóemgen at Kilcavan in the Barony of Gorey, County Wexford. According to Irish custom, it was because of this that Domhnall assumed the name Caomhánach in the form of an descriptive byname meaning "a student or follower of Cóemgen". Contrary to usual Irish practice, the name was adopted by his descendants as an inherited surname. In several Gaelic dictionaries, Caomhánach is also defined as "a friend, companion" and "merciful".
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