Surname MacKeochan - Meaning and Origin
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MacKeochan: What does the surname MacKeochan mean?
The last name MacKeochan is a Scottish surname, originating from the Gaelic "MacEachain", which translates roughly as "son of the horseman". The MacKeochan family was one of the earliest clans to form in the northern and western Scottish Highlands, deriving from the Celtic bloodline which was the dominant culture in Scotland during the early medieval period.
The family took its name from the once powerful clan chief, Eoghan MacEachain, and his son Maoileachain, whose name was Latinised in the 16th century to MacKeochan. This leader was a wayward and fearless warrior, and he and his clan fought long and hard to protect their lands from rival clans. He was admired for his leadership and strength and this eventually led to the MacKeochan becoming one of the most respected clans in the Highlands.
The MacKeochan clan became a powerful, influential and wealthy clan and it held their lands against all invaders, especially English. In later centuries, this success led to the spread of the name MacKeochan outside their original homeland, and today MacKeochans are found all over the world.
The MacKeochans can still be found in many parts of Scotland, including the city of Edinburgh, and they remain proud of their heritage and traditions. They are followers of the Celtic religion and are known for their strong sense of loyalty and honour.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKeochan: Where does the name MacKeochan come from?
The MacKeochan surname is most commonly seen today in Scotland, Ireland, and Canada. Scotland is home to the largest and most common family group of MacKeochans, with a long history dating back centuries. Many of these families scattered over time, and settled in other parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland such as Wales, England, and Northern Ireland.
In more recent years, many MacKeochans have moved away and emigrated to other parts of the world. Canada has become one of the more popular destinations, with some MacKeochans settling in both the East and West coasts.
The United States is also home to a small number of MacKeochans in different states throughout the country. A small number of MacKeochans also settled in Australia and New Zealand, and although the numbers are relatively small, their name is still alive and present in these countries today.
The MacKeochan surname is still fairly uncommon today, but there are an estimated 10,000 living descendants as of 2020. With its Scots-Gaelic roots and upbringing in the West of Scotland, the MacKeochan name is sure to live on for many generations to come.
Variations of the surname MacKeochan
MacKeochan is a Scottish surname with origins in the Castles of Keochan, Tipperary in Ireland in the 12th century. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for MacKeochan include Mackiechan, McAichan, McEachen, McEachan, MacKeahan, MacKechnie, MacKishan, MacKutchan, MocEogan, and Mokeychan.
The M prefix of the surname indicates a Scottish origin, as does some of the variants such as McAichan. The Mac prefixes are usually an Anglicised version of the Gaelic name, which resulted from the two languages mingling during the Highland Clearances and other times of settlement.
MacKechnie is a spelling variation of the surname that can also be found. The -chie suffix means ‘son of’ and is typically associated with Middle Lowland or West Coast Scottish surnames. MacKishan is another form of MacKeochan and both variations are found in Ireland as well as Scotland.
McEachen is another variant of MacKeochan which has roots in Scotland and Ireland. McEachen translates to ‘son of something’ and is derived from the personal name Eachann meaning ‘horse ruler’. MacKeahan is an alternate spelling of the surname typically found in Scotland and Ireland.
MocEogan is a spelling common to southern, midland and eastern Ireland and is derived from the Irish name MacEoghain, which means ‘son of Eoghan’. Lastly, Mokeychan is a variant of MacKeochan found in Scotland. It is believed to have derived from the old Irish language.
Famous people with the name MacKeochan
- Craig MacKeochan: former NHL hockey player
- Ross Mackeochan: Canadian television producer and documentary filmmaker
- John Mackeochan: a successful businessman, philanthropist, sportsman
- Ross Mackeochan: a former anchor and Senior Business Correspondent for BBC World
- Jordan MacKeochan: an outdoor enthusiast and advocate of the outdoors
- Donovan MacKeochan: Hockey coach and manager
- Mat MacKeochan: Pro Hockey scout
- Alan MacKeochan: former soccer player
- Alec MacKeochan: Professional snowboarder and extreme sports athlete
- Laura MacKeochan: Canadian movie director, writer and producer