Surname Eoganacht septs - Meaning and Origin
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Eoganacht septs: What does the surname Eoganacht septs mean?
The Eoganacht septs were a confederation of related families or dynasties in southwest Ireland who trace their origins back to the mythological Éogan, son of Oilill Olum, legendary High King of Munster. The septs were based in the region around the present city of Limerick.
In ancient times, these families were influential and powerful, even vying for the kingship of Munster. This made them a target of haemorrhaging tactics such as taxation and confiscation by the English crown during their long 600 year presence in Ireland.
The Eoganacht septs are an early example of clan culture in the Gaelic world and survive to this day. They hold an important place in the history of the region and in Irish folklore and mythology.
Today, many branches of the Eoganacht septs still exist throughout the world, proudly bearing the name. Families of Irish origin often have a written history, tracing their lineage to one of the septs. This encourages family reunion and pride in their ancestry.
Membership to the Eoganacht septs is still maintained and celebrated in many parts of the world, both in Ireland and elsewhere. The families are bound by bloodline and proudly celebrate their shared history and culture.
Order DNA origin analysisEoganacht septs: Where does the name Eoganacht septs come from?
The Eoganacht Septs, also known as the Eoghanacht, are a group of septs who trace their descent to the ancient Kings of Munster, the Kingdom of Desmond, in what is today County Cork and Kerry in Ireland. Their territory once stretched from the Blackwater to the Atlantic Ocean, and their ancestor Corc was the first to take power after the Milesians invaded from Spain more than a millennium ago.
The Eoganacht Septs are divided into four main branches: the Eoghanacht Aine, the Eoghanacht Glendamnach, the Eoghanacht Locha Lein and the Eoghanacht Raithlind. Each of these branches descends from a separate king, and their territories are divided among them.
Today, these four branches of the Eoganacht are still an important presence in County Cork and Kerry. The majority of people with Eoganacht septs today can be found in these counties, particularly in the barony of Connello Lower near Ballyhooley. Here, families who have descended from any of these four branches make up a significant portion of the population, and are still proud to trace their ancestry back to the ancient kings of Munster.
The Eoganacht also have significant influence in areas outside of Cork and Kerry, particularly in the neighbouring counties of Limerick and Tipperary, where their presence is felt through various cultural activities such as festivals and dance squads. There are also Eoganacht septs in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States, where those with ancestral connections to the Eoganacht often take part in reunions and gatherings.
Variations of the surname Eoganacht septs
The Eoganacht septs were a powerful royal family and clan within ancient Ireland. This sept comes from a single common ancestor, Eogan Mór, and was divided into many clans, each with its own distinct and proud history. Different branches of this sept have taken different spellings and surnames as they spread across the province and even into other countries.
Common variants of the surname include Ó hEochaidh, MacEochadha, O'Howey, O'Hickey, O'Hehir, O'Hoey, O'Hey, and O'Hea.
The sept is associated with the following kingdoms/clans:
* Corcu Duibne: The main branch of the sept was located at this kingdom. It was seated in Ros a'Mhíl in present-day County Kerry.
* Muscraighe: This clan was located in present-day Northern Limerick.
* Osraige: This clan was located in present-day County Kilkenny.
* Uí Liatháin: This clan was located in present-day County Cork.
* Uí Fidgenti: This clan was located in present-day West Limerick, mostly in the baronies of Owney and Arra.
* Maigiuin: This was a branch of the Ó hEochaidh (O'Hoey/O'Hey) which eventually adopted the surname MacEochay.
* Ciarraige Locha na nAige: This was a branch of Ó hEochaidh who eventually adopted the surname Ó hAodha (O'Hoey/O'Hey).
* Feara Ceta: This was a branch of Ó hEochaidh which was located in present-day County Clare. It was one of the most important branches of the sept and eventually adopted the surname Ó Ríoghbhardáin (O'Reardon).
Those descended from the Eoganacht sept can be proud of their heritage, no matter which surname they inherited. It is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Irish people, even during tumultuous times in Irish history.
Famous people with the name Eoganacht septs
- Brian Boru: legendary Irish high king who united the Eoganacht septs.
- Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid: the King of the Southern Uí Neill and controlled the Eoganacht septs in the 11th century.
- Muirchertach Ua Briain: High King of Ireland and the dominant ruler of the Eoganacht septs in the 12th century.
- Ferdia mac Conchobar: semi-legendary Irish hero associated with the Eoganacht septs, and the tragic rival of Cuchulainn.
- Diarmait mac Cerbaill: an Eoganacht king from the 6th century, credited with introducing a series of legal reforms to Ireland.
- Crimthann mac Fidaig: a 6th century Eoganacht king from the Uí Dróna sept.
- Colmán of Dromore: a celebrated Irish saint associated with the Eoganacht septs in the 7th century.
- Bran Finn, son of Oilioll Olum: legendary prince of Munster credited with uniting the Eoganacht tribes in the 2nd century.
- Rowland Fitzgerald: a 17th century Anglo-Irish statesman and judge who served the Eoganacht septs of Kerry.
- Hugh Ita O'Heffernan: an Eoganacht lawyer and member of parliament in late 19th century Ireland.