Surname McMaghon - Meaning and Origin
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McMaghon: What does the surname McMaghon mean?
The last name McMaghon is typically of Irish origin and is an anglicized version of the Gaelic "Mac Mathghamhna" or "Mac Mathúna". The prefix "Mac" means "son of" in Gaelic, thus indicating a patriarchal lineage. The term "Mathghamhna" or "Mathúna" translates to "bear", thus giving the meaning "son of the bear". This suggests that the initial bearer of the name could be a descendant of a person named or nicknamed "bear". It's significant to note that in ancient times, use of animals' names symbolized certain characteristics. Therefore, it might reflect that the initial person was as strong or brave as a bear. In some versions, it can also be recorded as McMahon, MacMahon, or MacMann. These names are common particularly in the province of Munster and County Clare in Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMcMaghon: Where does the name McMaghon come from?
The last name McMaghon is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Mathghamhana," where "Mac" means "son of" and "Mathghamhana" refers to a "bear." It comes from a couple of prominent Irish families, both from Ulster and Monaghan. Over time, various iterations of the name including McMahon, MacMahon, Mahon, and more have evolved due to regional pronunciation and Anglicization.
Notably, in 374 A.D., the McMahons became the lords of Oriel, an ancient region in Ulster, Northern Ireland. Their established lineage and ascendancy in the area lasted until the 17th century. After the Irish diaspora due to famine and political turmoil, many descendants migrated to various parts of the world including the United States, UK, Australia, and Canada.
Although the exact identification of 'McMahgon' spelling's prevalence today is challenging, it is common quite consistent with McMahon, which predominantly exists in the regions earlier mentioned. In the United States, the McMahons are mainly found in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. In Australia, they're notably present in New South Wales. Hence, globally, the McMahon surname and its variations have been dispersed widely, significantly contributing to their international recognition.
Variations of the surname McMaghon
The surname McMaghon is not a traditional or standard spelling. It appears like a potential misspelling for the Irish surnames McMahon or Mahon. McMahon originated from Gaelic Mac Mathghamhna, which translates to "son of the bear." This surname can have several spellings including MacMahon, MacMann, MacMahan, McMann, McMahen, and McMahan.
On the other hand, Mahon comes from the old Gaelic name Mathuna or Mathghamhna, again, meaning "bear." Variations for Mahon include MacMahon, Mahan, O'Mahon, MacMahan, MacMann, and more.
It is also possible that McMaghon could be a variant or misspelling of Maghan or Magan, which is another Irish surname. Variations of these could include Meegan, Megan, Mogan, Megin, Moghan, and others. It's important to conduct thorough genealogical research to ensure you have the correct lineage and surname spelling.
Famous people with the name McMaghon
- John T. McMahon Jr. (Well-known American orthopedic surgeon and an innovator in the field of arthroplasty)
- Shane McMahon (American businessman and former professional wrestler)
- Richard J. McMahon (Writer, military historian and filmmaker)
- James E. McMahon (Former U.S. District Court Judge in Ohio)
- Frances L. McMah-on (American epidemiologist and public health researcher)
- Vince McMahon (Chairman and CEO of WWE, American football executive and professional wrestling promoter)
- Sheila K. McMah-on (American actress and voice actress)
- Robert E. McMa-hon (American Nobel Prize-winning engineer)
- Mary McMa-hon (American actress)
- Brian McMahon (Kildare-born former Irish international footballer)