Surname MacEoghain - Meaning and Origin
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MacEoghain: What does the surname MacEoghain mean?
The surname MacEoghain is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Eoghan." It is believed to mean "son of Eoghan." The name Eoghan itself potentially comes from the Celtic word "Oue(i)-" which means 'born from the yew tree,' but it has also been linked to the Greek name "Eugenios," hence can imply 'well-born' or 'noble.' Popular variants of the name include Egan, Keegan, MacKeegan among others. The MacEoghains were a part of the larger Gaelic-Irish clans and their ancestral roots can be traced back to specific regions in Ireland. However, like many Irish surnames, it has spread across the world due to migration and diaspora.
Order DNA origin analysisMacEoghain: Where does the name MacEoghain come from?
The surname MacEoghain is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Eogain" which is a patronymic name meaning "son of Eoghan." Eoghan is derived from an old Celtic word meaning "yew" or "born of the yew tree," a tree known for its longevity and resilience.
The history of the MacEoghain surname dates back to ancient Celtic Ireland, when it was used by families in County Tyrone (in the Province of Ulster). During Ireland's history, because of issues like the Great Famine and political unrest, many Irish families emigrated to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and Great Britain. Hence, people with the MacEoghain surname can be found all over the world today.
However, it is important to keep in mind that over time, and particularly due to immigration, the surname has transformed in spelling. Today, it is often anglicized as McEwan, McEwen, Egan, or Ewing. Therefore, while the original Gaelic MacEoghain may not be common today, its anglicized versions are still fairly frequent in places with significant populations of Irish ancestry.
Variations of the surname MacEoghain
The surname MacEoghain is of Irish origin and comes from the Irish Gaelic "Mac Eoghan," which means "son of Eoghan." Other variant forms and spellings of this surname include MacEoin, MacEwan, MacOwen, MacEwen, McKeown, McEoin, McEwan, McOwen, McEwen. It's also common to drop the "Mac" or "Mc" prefix, resulting in the surnames Eoin, Ewan, Owen, and Ewen.
Additionally, when translated or anglicized, the name Eoghan becomes Eugene in English, hence MacEoghain may also translate to MacEugene or McEugene.
In Scotland, where Irish surnames have also made an impact, the surname can be found as MacEwan, MacEwen or even shortened to Ewan or Ewen.
Another common variant is the surname McKeon, popular in Ireland, mainly in counties Leitrim and Sligo. Surname MacHugh is another possible variant of MacEoghain - it is derived from "Mac Aodha," but the pronunciation similarity led to interchangeable usage.
Remember that the prefix "Mac" or "Mc" in a surname translates as "son of," so variations without it may refer to different family relations, not just a direct son.
Famous people with the name MacEoghain
- Mary MacEoghain: a Scottish historical novelist
- David MacEoghain: a Scottish contemporary photographer
- Bran MacEoghain: a professional footballer from Northern Ireland
- Mairtin MacEoghain: an Irish poet
- Alison MacEoghain: an Irish broadcaster and journalist
- Evin MacEoghain: a Welsh actor
- Giollafhearga MacEoghain: a 17th-century Irish poet
- Sean MacEoghain: an Irish artist
- Rory MacEoghain: a Scottish musician
- Malcolm MacEoghain: a Scottish poet