Keevan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland-Alt
Ireland

Irish names tend to vary widely in their spelling and overall form. The original Gaelic form of the name Keevan is Caomhanach, an adjective denoting association with St. Caomhan. The first Kavanagh, Donal, the son of Dermot MacMurrough, was fostered by a successor of this saint.

Early Origins of the Keevan family

The surname Keevan was first found in County Carlow (Irish: Cheatharlach) a small landlocked area located in the province of Leinster in the South East of Ireland, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Early History of the Keevan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Keevan research. Another 141 words (10 lines of text) covering the year 1889 is included under the topic Early Keevan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Keevan Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Cavanagh, Kavanagh, Kavanah, Cavanaugh, Keevan, Cavanaw, Kavanaw, Cavenaugh, Cavanough, Cavaneagh, Cavana, Cavena, Cavinaugh, Kavina, Kavena, Kavanaugh, Cavanach, Kavanach, Cabenagh, O'Cavanagh, O'Kavanagh, Keaveney, Geaveney, M'Cavanna and many more.

Early Notables of the Keevan family

More information is included under the topic Early Keevan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Keevan family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Charles, Dudley, James, John, Joseph, Michael, Nicholas, Peter, Robert, Thomas and William Cavanagh, who all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1813 and 1880.

The Keevan Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Siothchain agus fairsinge
Motto Translation: Peace and plenty.