Surname MacSkehan - Meaning and Origin
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MacSkehan: What does the surname MacSkehan mean?
The last name MacSkehan is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Skeathain, which means 'son of Skeathain'. This name is derived from an Irish Gaelic personal name Skeathain, which has various interpretations, one of the oldest being ‘dark one’, another being ‘having the gift of prophecy’.
MacSkehan is a common name in Ireland and is found especially around Ulster and County Cork. It is also found throughout England, generally spelled as MacSeckan, but also performs a mutation of its spelling such as MacSkehan.
The MacSkehan family can trace their history to Munster in the early medieval period. The clan was part of the Dál gCais dynasty, a large conglomeration of tribes who were descended from the Uí Néill through their ancestor Brian Bóruma. The MacSkehan’s were a sept of the Dál that was spread through much of what is now called the Munster province of Ireland, including counties like Cork and Kerry.
The MacSkehans later migrated to Ulster as a result of religious strife in 1689. They were prominent members of the Gaelic Catholic lineage in Ulster which also accounts for why their name is so common and why many of its variations are found in that region.
The MacSkehans have a long and interesting history and are a part of the larger Irish story. The name continues to be a part of the rich Irish culture and is remembered and celebrated by modern-day Irish people.
Order DNA origin analysisMacSkehan: Where does the name MacSkehan come from?
The last name MacSkehan is mainly found in the United States and Canada today. In the United States, the last name MacSkehan is most common in New York, with the highest concentration of people with this last name being in Brooklyn, New York City. Beyond the United States, the most common location for MacSkehan is Canada, mainly found in the western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.
In terms of the surname's origin, the name MacSkehan is an Anglicization of the Irish and Scottish Gaelic surname MacSeachnain. The translation of the name is the son of Seachnainn, Seachnainn being the name of an early Irish ancestor.
The MacSkehans in the United States tend to be the descendants of Scottish and Irish immigrants of the 18th and 19th centuries. During this time, many Scots and Irish immigrants settled in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and other northeastern states. Additionally, there is evidence of more recent MacSkehans immigrating to the U.S. from Canada, England, and Ireland.
In terms of today's MacSkehans, many members of the family retain their Gaelic roots. MacSkehan families in North America tend to remain quite close, with family reunions and other activities helping to keep their bond strong.
Variations of the surname MacSkehan
MacSkehan is a common Irish surname. It is derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Siodhcahain, which translates to “son of Siodhcahain”.
Variants of MacSkehan include MacShone, MacHone, MacSkehan, MacSheehan, MacShechan, and MacShayne. Spellings of the same origin include Macintosh, McShone, Mchone, Mchane, and Mchayne.
The surname itself is commonly found in English records, but its earlier forms are more commonly found in Irish sources. The Irish formsMac Siodhcahain, MacGío shana, MacSídhchadháin, and MacGíochan appear in old documents.
Surnames which share the same origin as MacSkehan include Skehan, Shone,Shane, Sheehan, Sheahan, Shechan, and Shaine. These are English variants of the original Irish name, and can be traced back to the original Gaelic name.
Other variants of the name include Sheen, Shee, Shi, and Shiene. These names all have the same Gaelic origins of Mac Siodhcahain, and likely derive from the Irish for “Son of Siodhcahain”.
Variants of the surname can be found in some parts of Europe, such as Spain and Germany. In Spain, for instance, Mac Siodhcahain appears as MacSecano and MacSeco, and in Germany the surname is written as Hone or Heunen.
Overall, MacSkehan is a common Irish surname, and its variants and spellings all have the same Gaelic origins. Although the name is most commonly found in English records, its earlier forms are more often found in Irish sources.
Famous people with the name MacSkehan
- Steve MacSkehan: American College Football Coach.
- John MacSkehan: Canadian Politician.
- Thomas MacSkehan: Irish Politician.
- Ed MacSkehan: Former U.S. Major League Baseball Player.
- Sarah MacSkehan: Broadway Actress.
- Margaret MacSkehan: Award-Winning Block Print Artist and Art Educator.
- Lisa MacSkehan: Award-Winning Author and Public Speaker.
- Thomas MacSkehan Jr.: Irish Politician and Farmer.
- Richard MacSkehan: Canadian Poet and Author.
- Jane MacSkehan: Editor and Publisher at Harlequin Books.
- Jack MacSkehan: Golf Course Designer and Community Leader.
- Lucille MacSkehan: Canadian Singer-Songwriter.
- Sarah MacSkehan Higham: British Actress and Singer.
- Neil MacSkehan: Author, Columnist, and TV Commentator.
- Aubra MacSkehan: American Stuntwoman and Rodeo Entertainer.
- Tyler MacSkehan: Paris-based Fashion Designer.
- Zoe MacSkehan: Australian Conservationist and Marine Biologist.
- William MacSkehan: British Curator and Archaeologist.
- Sally MacSkehan: Canadian Watercolor Artist.
- Robert MacSkehan: American Songwriter and Musician.