Surname Mahood - Meaning and Origin

Mahood: What does the surname Mahood mean?

The surname Mahood is of Irish origin and is a variation of the surname Mahon, which comes from the old Gaelic name "Mathuna". "Mathuna" comprises two elements: "Mat", which is an abbreviation of "mathghamhain" meaning "bear", and the suffix "-una" equivalent to "descendant of." Hence, the name Mahood can mean "descendant of the bear." It was initially used as a patronymic name, highlighting lineage or kinship. This surname belongs to the category of hereditary surnames that were formed by drawing elements from the first name of the original bearer. Surnames were adopted as a means to differentiate between people with the same name and as a way to trace ancestry. As with many Irish surnames, variations occur due to regional dialects and phonetic spellings. Other variations include Mahon, O'Mahon, McMahon, and Mahun.

Mahood: Where does the name Mahood come from?

The last name Mahood is most commonly found in North America and Great Britain. Within North America, it is concentrated primarily in Canada, with a significant presence in the United States and Mexico. In Canada, Mahood is the 245th most common surname and is especially represented in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. In the United States, Mahood is the 5,742nd most common surname and is found throughout the country.

In the United Kingdom, Mahood is an uncommon surname with a presence in the North of England and Scotland. While it is not recognized as being of particular significance in any one region, the name is estimated to be around the 3,000th most common name overall in the United Kingdom.

The last name Mahood is derived from two distinct sources. In Great Britain, Mahood is associated with a proper name derived from Old German, while in North America, Mahood is usually a variation of the originally Dutch Maat and Maats families.

The Mahood family is a large and widespread one with numerous branches, and research into the family’s history reveals a variety of interesting stories. Most likely to have descended from the French-descended Huguenots, the Mahoods have been said to have accompanied William the Conqueror to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066. They later emigrated to Northern Ireland in the late 17th century and eventually settled in North America. The Mahoods have had a colorful and varied family history, but their name remains an especially popular one among people of both North American and British descent.

Variations of the surname Mahood

The surname Mahood is of medieval English origin. It is derived from the Old English term "maga hod," which translates to "son of the mighty one." The earliest known record of the name was in 1212, when an Adam Mahoud was mentioned in Gloucester. Variants of this surname include Mahoud, Mauhood, Mahoude, Mauhode, Mahmoud, Mauhud, Mood, and Mauhudh.

Spellings of the surname Mahood vary depending on the nationality. In Irish, the surname is frequently spelled Mahoody or Mahudy. In Scotland and northern Ireland, the spelling may be Mahoud, Mouh Led or Mahoodd. In the United States, the spelling is usually Mahood.

The related surnames of Moody, Murdock, and Moore may have descended from the same surname. Moody originates from the Old English term “modige,” which translates to “proud.” Murdock is derived from the Gaelic name “Mac Murchaidh,” which translates to “son of Murdoch.” Moore is derived from the Old English term “mor,” which implies someone from a moor or a fen.

In summary, the surname Mahood and its variants can be found in many countries and is associated with a range of spellings and surnames. Its medieval English origin is derived from the Old English term “maga hod,” or “son of the mighty one.” Variants include Mahoud, Mauhood, Mahoude, Mauhode, Mahmoud, Mauhud, and Mood. Related surnames include Moody, Murdock, and Moore.

Famous people with the name Mahood

• Brandon Mahood: Actor, singer, and songwriter.
• John Paul Mahood: English actor, director, and writer.
• Jody Mahood: American film editor and director.
• Scott Mahood: Professional hockey player, most notably for the Montreal Canadiens.
• Rodney Mahood: Canadian retired rugby union player.
• Ernestine Mahood: Canadian textile artist.
• Alan Mahood: British conductor.
• Steve Mahood: Former Major League Baseball third baseman.
• Kevin Mahood: Former professional baseball player.
• Larry Mahood: Canadian soccer coach and player.
• John Mahood: Retired Canadian football offensive lineman.
• Beatrice Mahood: Canadian lawyer and philanthropist.
• Bill Mahood: Canadian long-distance runner.
• Keith Mahood: Retired Canadian rugby player.
• David Mahood: American retired basketball player.
• Brandon Mahood: Singer-songwriter and actor.
• Peggy Mahood: Former professional figure skater.
• Robert Mahood: Canadian compact disc mastering engineer.

Other surnames

Mahoods