Surname Meagh - Meaning and Origin

Meagh: What does the surname Meagh mean?

The surname Meagh is likely of Irish origin, though its specific meaning is not clear, as it’s not a common name and there are different interpretations based on varying sources. It may be a variation of other similar Irish surnames such as Meigh, Meighan, or Meegan, all of which are anglicized forms of Gaelic names. Sometimes, Irish surnames denote a geographical origin or a descriptor of an ancestor. In some cases, Irish surnames can be linked to a clan or familial group. However, without more specific historical or genealogical information, it's difficult to determine the precise meaning of the surname Meagh. It's recommended to conduct a personal family history or genealogy research to trace the origins and meanings of uncommon surnames like Meagh.

Meagh: Where does the name Meagh come from?

The last name Meagh likely derives from Irish origins, specifically from an anglicization of the Gaelic name "O Miadhachain," which translates to 'descendant of Miadhachan.' The "Miadhachan" part of the name is believed to derive from 'miadhach,' meaning 'honorable.' It's also speculated to be a variant of the last name Meighan.

However, it's important to note that there is limited information available about the Meagh surname due to its rarity. As such, the exact location of its commonality is difficult to establish. According to some surname distribution databases, there are a few individuals with the Meagh surname in England, Ireland, and the United States. More research would be necessary to confidently determine the regions where this surname is most commonly found today.

Variations of the surname Meagh

The surname Meagh has a variety of spellings and it's primarily derived from Irish Gaelic origin. Variations of the surname would be Magh, Meage, Meehagh, Meigh, and Megh.

One particular variant is "Meagher", a popular Irish surname. Other variants include Maher, Mahir, and O'Meagher, which means "Descendant of Meagher". In these versions, the 'gh' is silent, and the 'ea' is often pronounced like the 'a' in 'cat'.

Some ancient Gaelic forms of the name are "O’Meachair" meaning "hospitable" or "kindly", and "O'Meachair", meaning "descendant of the kind and gentle one".

Apart from those, one could look at Meachair, Meigher, and Meachar as other possible alternatives.

These different variations evolved due to regional pronunciations and translations over centuries. Some families may have altered their spellings upon emigration to other countries.

However, the most common spellings tend to be Meagher and Maher. The name, regardless of its spelling, is predominantly found in County Tipperary, Ireland.

Famous people with the name Meagh

• Ross Meagh: American professional basketball player
• Trina Meagh: American stand-up comedian
• Zach Meagh: Australian hip hop and pop artist
• Janae Meagh: American actress
• Colt Meagh: American professional athlete
• Sean Meagh: American actor
• Cortney Meagh: American reality television star
• Philip Meagh: Irish barrister
• John Meagh: Irish hurler
• Ciaran Meagh: Irish Gaelic footballer

Other surnames

Meagher