Surname MacEogan - Meaning and Origin
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MacEogan: What does the surname MacEogan mean?
The surname MacEogan is derived from the ancient Irish surname MacEoghain. This surname is patronymic, meaning that it originated from the father's first name. The root of the surname is the Gaelic personal name Eóghan, which has the meaning “born of the yew tree”.
The name comes from the Olde Irish Eoghan (pronounced Owen), which comes from the same sources as the Welsh name its derived from Eoganus or Owen. This name was derived from the Pictish god Eogan, and may also be linked to a nomadic Iberian people in Spain known as the Eogan.
The MacEogan surname was brought to Ireland during the 10th century, when Eóghan’s descendants intermixed with the existing native Irish population. It was common to find members of the MacEogan clan amongst the aristocracy of Western and Central Ireland. They would have held titles like chiefs, leaders, and warriors, which they defended in various battles throughout Irish history.
The MacEogan family has a long and illustrious history. The name once represented a force to be reckoned with and still carries the mark of its great and mighty past. Its members are proud of the MacEogan name, which stands for strength, courage, and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisMacEogan: Where does the name MacEogan come from?
The surname MacEogan is associated with both Ireland and Scotland. As a variant of the surname MacEoin, which originated in both nations, it is most common today in Ireland, particularly in County Galway and County Mayo. The last name is also found in Scotland, particularly in the highlands.
The original core group of MacEogans were a branch of the Cenél nEoghain who settled in East Galway in the late sixth century, shortly after the death of Niall of the Nine Hostages. The Cenél nEoghain were descendants of Niall's great-great-grandson Eogan the First.
Back in the 12th century, the MacEogans dominated land in what is now the Irish province of Connacht. In the following centuries, the family began to branch out, settling in various parts of the country. The last name is now carried by numerous people, many of whom live in the villages of Inverin, Galway; Kilimoran, Mayo; and Dolla, Clare. It is also common in Dublin and other urban areas.
The MacEogans were also influential in Scotland, especially in Aberdeenshire and Perthshire. Many clan members settled in the American colonies in the 18th century, particularly in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Today, MacEogans with descendents in the diaspora can be found in England, Canada, Australia, and the United States.
Variations of the surname MacEogan
The surname MacEogan is a variant of the Gaelic surname Mac Eoghain. Eoghain is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Eóghan" which means "born of the yew tree". The variants, spellings, and surnames of MacEogan all derive from the same origin. The most common spellings are MacEogan, MacEoghan, and MacEoghain, with other variants including MacKeoghainn, MacKeoghant, MacKeoghegan, MacKeoghan, McKeown, McKeoghagan, MackEgan, and MacKeegan.
The spelling MacEoghan is the most popular spelling in Ireland, while MacKeoghainn is most commonly seen in Scotland. Both the MacKeoghan and McKeown spellings are found in the United States. Many of these variants were subject to a variety of spelling errors when the Gaelic spelling was Anglicized. Therefore, there are countless variations in the surname, which can make researching the family genealogy somewhat difficult.
The MacEoghain surname comes from the ancient Irish clan of the same name. This clan was located in Connacht, in the ancient kingdom of Ui Maine, and was descended from the legendary Ulster warrior Eogan Mor, grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages. In later centuries, the family descended from both Irish and Scottish lines.
The presence of the MacEoghain surname is most heavily concentrated today in Ireland, as well as in certain parts of the United States. There are also significant numbers of people with the surname present in Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name MacEogan
- Robert MacEogan: Irish architect and property developer.
- John MacEogan: Irish professional basketball player.
- Maeve MacEogan: Irish actress.
- Tony MacEogan: Irish acoustic singer/songwriter.
- Steve MacEogan: Canadian film producer and director.
- Bryony MacEogan: British professional squash player.
- Padraig MacEogan: Irish sports journalist.
- Kelvin MacEogan: New Zealand politician.
- Rhon MacEogan: British radio presenter.
- Charley MacEogan: American artist.
- Stephanie MacEogan: Irish Olympic rower.
- Clare MacEogan: Irish civil servant.
- Ayla MacEogan: Australian singer/songwriter.
- Eoghan MacEogan: Irish rugby player.
- Liam MacEogan: British corporate lawyer.
- Tom MacEogan: British actor.
- Neil MacEogan: English screenwriter.
- Grainne MacEogan: Irish playwright.
- Aidan MacEogan: Canadian poet.
- Peter MacEogan: Australian entrepreneur.