Kavanagh is a gender-neutral name forever bound to the Irish Kevin. Dating back to the 12th century, Kavanagh first emerged in the Irish language as Caomhánach, adopted by the eldest son of the high king Diarmaid mac Murchadha. Following ancient Irish custom, the son adopted Caomhánach to honor his training and education by Saint Cóemgen—Saint Kevin. Though initially meaning "follower of Kevin," Kavanagh has grown to adopt its predecessor’s qualities as its own, enjoying similar meanings of "handsome" and "gentle."