Ó Ceanndubháin

Rev Patrick Woulfe

1923

Ó CEANNDUBHÁIN—I—O Cannovane, O Canavan, O Kennavain, Cannavan, Canavan, Kinavan, and, by 'translation,' Whitehead; 'descendant of Ceanndubhán' (diminutive of Ceanndubh, i.e., black-head); the name of a West Connacht family who, according to MacFirbis, were physicians to Muinntear Murchadha, the clan of which the O'Flahertys were chiefs. The name was also in Co. Cork and other parts of Ireland. Though really meaning black-head, it has been 'translated' Whitehead, the termination having been mistaken for bán, white.

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