Surname MacTaghlin - Meaning and Origin
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MacTaghlin: What does the surname MacTaghlin mean?
The surname MacTaghlin is derived from the Irish Gaelic surname Mac Taithnighe, which means "son of [the ruler] Taithneach." Taithneach is a personal name of uncertain origin, but it could have been derived from the Old Irish word táeth, meaning "hot or boiling". The MacTaghlin family likely originated in the province of Connaught, in western Ireland.
The MacTaghlin’s were a noble and influential Gaelic clan, sometimes referred to as the ‘Lords of Hy Fiachrach Muaidhe’ (The Marshy Plain of Mayo). The MacTaghlin’s were experts in Irish law and were renowned for researching old texts and passages from legal books, which made them a powerful force in Ireland in the medieval and early Christian periods. For many centuries, the MacTaghlin’s were part of the ruling elite in the part of Western Ireland now known as County Mayo.
The MacTaghlin’s ruled the region until the Tudor Conquest of Ireland in 1536, when their lands and titles were taken away. In the centuries since, the MacTaghlin’s have scattered around the world, although the name can still be found in Mayo and other parts of western Ireland. At the same time, some MacTaghlin’s have kept their title and are still prominent figures in the region.
Regardless of where they are now, the MacTaghlin’s are an integral part of Irish and Irish-American history. They are a reminder of a proud, independent people who were once influential in their region, and of a way of life that is now largely gone.
Order DNA origin analysisMacTaghlin: Where does the name MacTaghlin come from?
The last name MacTaghlin is most commonly found today in Ireland and in areas with a high concentration of Irish immigrants, such as England, Australia, and Canada. There are also a few MacTaghlins living in the United States, especially in areas populated with large Irish-American populations.
The origin of the surname MacTaghlin is historically traced back to the Ulster County region of Ireland, which is located in Northern Ireland. By the late 18th century, there were a number of MacTaghlin families living in the county, comprising of both Catholic and Protestant branches.
The prefix ‘mac’ in the surname is generally associated with Irish and Scottish surnames and has its own origin, as explained in a dictionary of surnames specific to Ireland. Translated to English, ‘mac’ means ‘son of’ and is often combined with a first name, such as Taghlin, which is derived from an Irish word meaning “head or chief."
During the 19th century, several thousand Irish people emigrated to England and other countries. As such, the presence of the surname MacTaghlin has spread and is now found in a number of countries outside of Ireland.
Today, the MacTaghlins of the world are spread across a variety of countries, likely due to the number of Irish immigrants who left the country during the 18th and 19th centuries. This diaspora has left the surname with a legacy that now spans several continents.
Variations of the surname MacTaghlin
MacTaghlin is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Mac Thaghaillín, meaning “son of Thaghallín.” It is a variant of the surname MacTavish, and the spelling variations include MacTaghlane, MacThaghanlan, MacTaghlen, MacTaghlan, MacTaghlin, MacTaglin, and MacTaguellin.
This surname has a long history in Ireland and has been in use since medieval times. It is most commonly associated with counties Down, Galway, Derry, and Mayo in the west of Ireland. It is also found in Scotland, where its spelling has been anglicised in some cases to McGallin, McGelan, McGillan, McGillin, or McGlan. In addition, the MacTaghlin surname has been used in some parts of the United Kingdom in various forms, including MacTaghan, MacTolghan, and MacTollan.
In the United States, the spelling variations of MacTaghlin include MacTauglin and Thicklin, and in Canada, the variants include Macktolgon and MacTollion. Some families of this surname have also emigrated to other countries in recent years, and the variants of the name used in these countries include MacTallan (in Australia and New Zealand) and MacTaglim (in South Africa).
Overall, the variants and spellings of MacTaghlin are numerous, and are found all over the world. While the name has changed in different countries due to various historical and cultural influences, the common ancestor of all these names is the Irish Gaelic Mac Thaghaillín.
Famous people with the name MacTaghlin
- Seán MacTaghlin: Footballer from Galway, Ireland
- Éamonn MacTaghlin: Member of the Irish Parliament and also a broadcaster
- John MacTaghlin: Irish physiotherapist and a former wheelchair athlete
- Turlough O'Meara MacTaghlin: Gaelic Footballer, from Tamlane in Muff Parish
- Pádhraic MacTaghlin: Former hurler from County Galway
- Finbar MacTaghlin: Former hurler from Northern Ireland
- Conall MacTaghlin- Leader of League of Ireland side Galway
- Barry MacTaghlin: Scottish footballer who represented Scotland in the FA Cup
- Anthony MacTaghlin: American entrepreneur and executive
- Jo MacTaghlin: American cyclist, triathlete and runner