Canavan is a surname of Irish with two possible translations, both Anglicized:
1. "White Head" from O'Ceanndubhain Sept who were hereditary physicians to the O'Flahertys of Connemara. Whitehead and Whitelock are sometimes used in Galway. Spelling variations include: Canovan, O'Canavan, Canaman, Kinevan, Kinavan, Kanavan, O'Kennevain.
2. "Black Head" from uiCeanndubhain - descendant of the dark haired one. a byname meaning ‘little black-headed one’, from ceann ‘head’ + dubh ‘black’ + the diminutive suffix -án.
Brian Canavan, current CEO of the Australian National Rugby League team.
Chris Canavan, British actor.
Dennis Canavan, Scottish politician, and was an Independent Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Falkirk West. He currently chairs the Advisory Board of Yes Scotland, the campaign for a Yes vote in the Scottish independence referendum, 2014.
Ivor Canavan, OBE (1929 – 1999) was a politician in Northern Ireland.
Jim Canavan, professional baseball player who played outfield and infield from 1891-1897 in the American Association and National League.
Katherine Canavan, United States diplomat and career foreign service officer.
Mary Canavan (died 1912 during Titanic Disaster).
Michael Noel Canavan, Garda Síochána and recipient of the Scott Medal.
Myrtelle Canavan, one of the first female pathologists and is best known for publishing a description of Canavan disease in 1931.
Pascal Canavan, former Tyrone Gaelic footballer.
Pat Canavan, former Dublin Gaelic football player.
Patrick Canavan, died 1912 during Titanic Disaster.
Peter Canavan, former Tyrone Gaelic footballer.
Peter P. Canavan Garda Síochána 17441F and recipient of the Scott Medal.
Trudi Canavan, Australian writer of fantasy novels.
Sam Whitelock, professional New Zealand rugby international
Two Canavans died during the Titanic disaster, Patrick Canavan and Mary Canavan, both of County Mayo.
