Canavan is a surname of Irish origin. It is Anglicized from (now also spelled ), literally "descendant of the dark haired one". The Ó Ceanndubháin sept were hereditary physicians to the O'Flahertys of Connemara. Spelling variations include: Canovan, O'Canavan, Canaman, Kinevan, Kinavan, Kanavan, O'Kennevain.
People with the surname
Brian Canavan, current CEO of the Australian National Rugby League team
Chris Canavan, British actor
Dennis Canavan, Scottish politician, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Falkirk West Ivor Canavan (1929–1999), politician in Northern Ireland Jim Canavan, baseball player in the American Association and National League, 1891 to 1897 John A. Canavan (1896–1963), American attorney in Massachusetts Katherine Canavan, United States diplomat and career foreign service officer Matt Canavan, Australian Federal MP Michael Noel Canavan, Irish police officer, recipient of the Scott Medal Myrtelle Canavan, American pathologist who described Canavan disease in 1931 Niall Canavan, Irish footballer Pascal Canavan, Tyrone Gaelic footballer Pat Canavan, Dublin Gaelic football player Peter Canavan, Tyrone Gaelic footballer Peter P. Canavan, Irish police officer, recipient of the Scott Medal Trudi Canavan, Australian writer