Surname MacDonough - Meaning and Origin
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MacDonough: What does the surname MacDonough mean?
The last name MacDonough derives from the Gaelic Mac Dhonnchaidh, which translates to “son of the brown warrior." The moniker is typically associated with Ireland and Scotland, although some MacDonoughs can also trace their roots to Wales.
The MacDonoughs are a proud and fiercely protective clan, with a distinguished bloodline dating back to the Middle Ages. They are renowned for their fighting ability and fierce loyalty to their own. The MacDonoughs originated in the County of Leitrim, where they formed part of the Irish forces led by Red Hugh O’Donnell in the Nine Year’s War in the late 16th Century. This sense of bravery and patriotism has become an attribute of the MacDonoughs ever since.
In America, the MacDonoughs are scattered throughout the country. The name can be found in a variety of different spellings, from Donough to McDonnell, and many of them have achieved success in a variety of fields.
Today, the most famous MacDonough is likely the United States Navy Officer, Thomas MacDonough, who victoriously defended Lake Champlain from a British invasion during the War of 1812. MacDonough’s naval tactics were so successful that they are still taught at the Naval Academy today.
MacDonoughs are a family of noble origin, whose members are known and acknowledged for their bravery, courage, patriotism, and devotion to loyalty. It is certainly an inspiring and distinguished name.
Order DNA origin analysisMacDonough: Where does the name MacDonough come from?
The surname MacDonough is a common name today, primarily located in the United States and Canada. In the United States, it can be found most prominently in the New England region, with many families in towns like Framingham, Massachusetts, as well as other nearby cities. The name is also quite common in states such as New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Additionally, there are MacDonough families located throughout the country, from the west coast to the east coast.
In Canada, the surname is most commonly found in Quebec province, particularly in Montreal and the outlying areas. In the Maritime provinces, such as Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick, it is not as common, though can still be found there. The name is also found in smaller towns throughout the country, typically connected to Irish immigrants who came to the country in the 19th century.
In Ireland, the name MacDonough is relatively common, though not as common as many other surnames with Irish origins. In Scotland, the name has been found associated with numerous Anglo-Irish immigrants throughout history, and can be found in modern times throughout the Lowlands and Borders of the country.
Variations of the surname MacDonough
MacDonough is an Irish surname that has numerous variants and spellings, all of which have the same original family lineage and origin. Some of the variants of the surname include MacDonagh, MacDonnell, Donough, Donahue, and Donehue. It is also spelled as McDonough in some cases.
MacDonough is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Mac Dhonnchadha, which is derived from the personal name Donnchadh. The name Donnchadh is composed of the Gaelic elements “donn” and “cath” which mean “brown” and “battle”, respectively.
The original Irish spelling of the name is Mac Dhonnchadha, and the various variants and spellings that have evolved from it were developed to make it easier for non-Irish speakers to pronounce. These variants are derived mostly from the Mc donnough spelling, and include MacDonnell, McDonough, MacDonagh, Donough, Donahue, and Donehue.
The clan of MacDonoughs is said to have originated in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. This clan is a part of the wider Dal gCais tribe, which is composed of several different families including the O’Briens and the O’Connors. The MacDonoughs were most common in the areas of Fermanagh and Leinster in the early 16th century.
In recent times, members of this clan have emigrated to America and other parts of the world. The MacDonough name is still evident in places like New York City, where it is one of the more common surnames. It is also found in small numbers in countries like Canada and Australia.
Famous people with the name MacDonough
- Peter MacDonough: Former television news director
- Harry MacDonough: Canadian singer and record label executive
- David MacDonough: Retired U.S. Army Officer and Vietnam War Veteran
- Joe MacDonough: American vocalist and entertainer
- Ernest MacDonough: American artist and sculptor
- George MacDonough: British-Irish former professional football player
- Andrew MacDonough: Actor and dancer
- Thomas MacDonough: Commodore in the United States Navy
- Sarah MacDonough: Professional soccer player
- Elizabeth MacDonough: United States Senator from Vermont