Surname Mag Shamhradhain - Meaning and Origin
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Mag Shamhradhain: What does the surname Mag Shamhradhain mean?
The last name Mag Shamhradhain is of Irish origin and is a variant of the name McGovern, which is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mag Shamhradháin.” The literal meaning of "Mag Shamhradháin" is "son of Samhradhán." The element "Samhradhán" comes from the word "samhradh," which means "summer." Therefore, it could possibly be interpreted as "son of the summer" or "son of the little summer", indicating a person born or christened in the summer or someone known for their sunny disposition. This surname originated in the region of Brefnie, which lies between County Leitrim and County Cavan, in North-Western Ireland. The clan was notably influential and highly regarded in this area. Today, the name is prevalent in its original home territory, as well as in various other parts of Ireland and across the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMag Shamhradhain: Where does the name Mag Shamhradhain come from?
The last name Mag Shamhradhain is of Irish origin. It is an anglicization of the Gaelic "Mac Samhradháin," which means "son of Samhradhán." The personal name Samhradhán suggests "summer" or "summers’ person," possibly implying someone born in summer. This surname belonged to a significant Gaelic-Irish clan, and they were known as chiefs and lords in the area which now forms part of County Cavan and County Leitrim. Though re-spelled in various forms including MacGovern, McGovern, and more, the original form, Mag Shamhradhain, is rare today. After the 17th century and due to the severe socio-political changes in Ireland, this surname, like many Gaelic surnames, declined in use. Today, it’s most common in regions of Ireland, particularly in County Cavan, where the clan originally held significant territories. However, due to migration and diaspora, descendants bearing the anglicized version of the surname can also be found in other parts of the world, notably the United States.
Variations of the surname Mag Shamhradhain
The Gaelic surname Mag Shamhradhain, which originated from Ireland, is typically anglicized to McGovern. However, due to variations in translations over time and regions, you can find numerous spellings and variants of this name.
Some of these include MacGovern, MacGoveran, Magauran, MacGauran, Magaurin, Gubernet, Gubernon, MacGoverin and McGoveran. In earlier periods, the surname may be found in records as Mág Samradháin (14th Century) or Mág Shamradhán (16th Century).
Moreover, the surname can also surface with an “O” as in O'Mag Shamhradhain, suggesting ancestry or descent, as the prefix "O" translates to "grandson of" or "descendant of".
All these names relate back to the same lineage that descends from Samhradhan, who was the 11th in descent from Colla-da-chrich, great-grandson of Cormac, the Monarch of Ireland about the middle of the third century. Notably, the surname is regional, originating from the barony of Tullyhaw, which was in the northern part of County Cavan. It is related to the clan that ruled the kingdom of Teallach Eochaidh, later known as Tullyhaw.
Note that the spelling of Irish surnames can vary widely, with some people choosing to return to the original Gaelic spelling to preserve cultural heritage.
Famous people with the name Mag Shamhradhain
- Micheál Ó hamhshraigh, Actor
- Seapróg Ó hamhshraigh, Pianist
- Fionnghaile Mágh hamhshraigh, Writer
- Uinseann Ó hamhshraigh, Singer
- Fearghal Ó hamhshraigh, Gaelic Footballer
- Mícheál Ó hamhshraigh, GAA Coach
- Máirtín Ó hamhshraigh, Journalist
- Eoghan Ó hamhshraigh, Politician
- Eamon Ó hamhshraigh, Gaelic Footballer
- Micheal Hamhshraigh, Traditional Musician