Surname MacComhghan - Meaning and Origin
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MacComhghan: What does the surname MacComhghan mean?
The last name MacComhghan is an old Irish surname, originating in the province of Connacht in the Northwestern region of Ireland. The name is derived from the words 'mag' and 'Comhghan', which mean 'son of Comhghan'. Comhghan is an old Gaelic name meaning 'hound of the plain'.
The name MacComhghan began to be used in the later half of the 1400s, most likely associated with the ancient Irish clans, such as the O'Comhghaill clan, who are south of the river Shannon and have their ancestral homeland in County Mayo.
The MacComhghan surname spread to other parts of Ireland and around the world.
The original bearer of the name may have been known locally for tracking and hunting as well as his ferocious loyalty and bravery. It is not clear however, if this loyalty was displayed in the form of warfare or if it was just a fierce commitment to anyone who was close to and under their protection.
The original MacComhghan family were thought to be amongst the most powerful of the old Gaelic chieftains, and the name may have developed in an effort to demonstrate and protect their pre-eminent position.
Today, the MacComhghan surname is still relatively common in parts of Ireland, particularly in County Mayo. Those who have the surname can be proud to carry an ancient name that reflects the proud loyalty, skill and strength of its original bearer.
Order DNA origin analysisMacComhghan: Where does the name MacComhghan come from?
The last name MacComhghan is very common today in Ireland. Historically, MacComhghan is one of the most recognizable surnames on the island. The name is thought to originate from the native Irish Gaelic Mac Comhghaill, which means “son of Comhghall”. However, some historians think this could also be linked to the Norse Comgall, or “Great Strength”.
In Ireland, MacComhghan is most common in the province of Connacht and particularly in counties such as Sligo and Mayo. Today, there are many different variants of the MacComhghan name including MacGugane, McCaghen and MacLuken. This is due to the standardization of Irish surnames over the centuries as well as the influence of other cultures in Gaelic and Irish society.
The MacComhghan name is also found outside of Ireland in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In recent decades, a significant number of Irish immigrants have made their way to these countries, bringing the MacComhghan surname with them. This has helped to create a larger population of MacComhghan’s abroad.
The MacComhghan name is associated with many prominent figures in Irish history including Queen Medb of Connacht and the famous Scottish warrior Murtagh MacComhghan. Today, it is a proud surname that is carried by many people throughout the world.
Variations of the surname MacComhghan
MacComhghan is a surname written in its Gaelic form, and it is an anglicised version of the older form ‘Mac Conghamhaigh’ or ‘Mac Connmhaigh’, which are both Irish surnames. The MacComhghan surname is relatively uncommon today, but historically it was derived from the Gaelic era in Ireland.
The most commonly used variant of the MacComhghan surname is ‘Mac Comhghain’ which can also be spelled ‘Mac Cuming’ or ‘MacComgan’. This variant is said to be slightly more common than MacComhghan, but it is still relatively uncommon. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic word ‘ceannfhionn’ which means ‘head of the kindred’.
Other variants of the surname include MacComghir(N), Mac Comghair(N) and MacComee(N), although each of these variants is even less common than the others.
Surnames that are thought to have a similar origin to MacComhghan include O’Connell, O’Conghaile and Ó Comhghaigh. These are all derived from the Irish Gaelic root ‘ceannfhionn’ and they can be found in Irish families throughout the country. The spelling of the various variants may differ depending on the region, but they all carry the same basic underlying meaning.
In the modern day, MacComhghan is more often found in its Anglicised form, making the surnames easier to spell and pronounce. The various spellings and variants of the name all share the same basic origins, and they all derive from the same past in Ireland.
Famous people with the name MacComhghan
- Finola Hughes: British actress and television personality.
- Philip MacComhghan: Irish actor.
- Finbarr MacComhghan: Irish actor.
- Seamus MacComhghan: Irish artist.
- Mary MacComhghan: Irish activist and feminist.
- Sarah MacComhghan: Irish singer and voice actress.
- Joe MacComhghan: American photographer.
- Danny MacComhghan: English footballer.
- Kane MacComhghan: British musician.
- Conal MacComhghan: Irish actor.