At a glance
- In short
- Cavanaugh is a strong and unique Irish name for boys, meaning "descendant of Cearbhán."
- U.S. rank 2025
- #12,008 of boy names (outside the top 1,000)
- Babies in 2025
- 5 (<0.01% of boys)
- Peak
- #8,732 in 2006
- First recorded
- 2002
Meaning of Cavanaugh
Cavanaugh is a strong and unique name for baby boys with Irish origins. Pronounced as KA-vuh-naw, this name has a rich history and associations. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Cearbháin," meaning "descendant of Cearbhán." The name Cavanaugh carries a sense of strength and determination, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their son. Its popularity in the United States has been steadily growing over the years, with occurrences recorded since 2002. While its ranking may vary each year, it remains a favored choice among parents seeking a name that stands out. A similar variation of this name is Cavan, which provides an alternative option for those who prefer shorter names.
How to pronounce Cavanaugh
Irish
- Pronounced KA-vuh-naw /kɑvənə/
Popularity of Cavanaugh in the U.S.
Cavanaugh was the #12,008 boy name in the U.S. in 2025, with 5 babies. It peaked at #8,732 in 2006. It first appears in the records in 2002.
- Rank among U.S. boy names (right scale, #1 at the top)
Year-by-year table, 2002–2025 9 rows
| Year | Babies | Rank | vs previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 12,008 | back (not recorded in 2023–2024) |
| 2022 | 8 | 8,990 | back (not recorded in 2018–2021) |
| 2017 | 8 | 8,840 | ▲ 1,904 |
| 2016 | 6 | 10,744 | back (not recorded in 2015) |
| 2014 | 7 | 9,642 | back (not recorded in 2013) |
| 2012 | 7 | 9,709 | back (not recorded in 2007–2011) |
| 2006 | 8 | 8,732 | back (not recorded in 2004–2005) |
| 2003 | 5 | 10,894 | ▼ 227 |
| 2002 | 5 | 10,667 | new |