Surname MacEochadha - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacEochadha: What does the surname MacEochadha mean?
The last name MacEochadha is of Irish origin. In the original Gaelic, the name is spelled "Mac Eochadha", which means "son of Eochaidh". The name Eochaidh itself means "horse rider" or "horseman". This implies that the original bearer of the name was a son of a horse rider, possibly indicating a family history of cavalry or a related trade. As with most Irish family names beginning with "Mac", it denotes lineage and ancestral heritage. Over the years, as the name migrated and was anglicized, it often transformed into "MacKeogh", "Keogh", or "Kehoe". Different branches of the family would have used different versions of the name, which is why there are so many variants in use today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacEochadha: Where does the name MacEochadha come from?
The surname MacEochadha is of Celtic Irish origin. It is a patronymic surname, which suggests it was established by being borne by a patriarch of a clan or family. In Irish Gaelic, "Mac" translates to "son of", and "Eochadha" is believed to be derived from the Gaelic personal name "Eachaidh", meaning "horseman". This suggests that the progenitor of the MacEochadha clan may have been a notable horseman.
Over time, especially during the era of British rule in Ireland, many Irish surnames were anglicized for easier pronunciation and spelling, thus MacEochadha has often been transformed into variations like Keogh and MacKeogh.
Today, the surname in its different forms is most commonly found in Ireland. However, due to historical periods of Irish emigration, it has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. In Ireland, it is particularly common in regions that were originally part of the Kingdom of Uí Failghe, such as the modern counties of Offaly and Laois.
Variations of the surname MacEochadha
The surname MacEochadha originates from Ireland and is typically anglicized as "Magee." It derives from the Gaelic term "Mac Eochaidh", which means "son of Eochaidh." Variations and anglicizations of this surname include Mackeogh, McKeogh, Keogh, and MacKeogh. The surname's original root, "Eochaidh," has been further Anglicized into "Hughes" and "Hayes" in some instances. This surname is known for and carries a large variety of spellings due to the vast differences in pronunciation between the Irish and English languages. Some surnames of similar origin include O’Eochadha, which means "descendant of Eochaidh" instead of "son of Eochaidh."
The surname has also been adapted into "MacCoy" in some areas of Ireland. Pronunciation and spelling often changed as families migrated, making tracing the lineage of these surnames very intricate. Overall, tracing the origin and different adaptations of this surname reveals how the English language has greatly influenced the original Gaelic words and surnames in Ireland.
Famous people with the name MacEochadha
- Brian MacEochadha: Brian MacEochadha is a reporter based in Galway, Ireland, whose works have been published in various Irish newspapers and magazines. He is currently the presenter of the award-winning TV series Fiddlers Grove.
- Padraic MacEochadha: Padraic MacEochadha is a former general secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), having been appointed to the position in 2000. He served until 2012, when he departed the organisation voluntarily.
- Ciara MacEochadha: Ciara MacEochadha is a writer, lecturer and cultural commentator from Galway, Ireland. She is particularly known for her books on the Irish diaspora, including The Irish Diaspora in Australia and The Irish Diaspora in Canada.
- Seamus MacEochadha: Seamus MacEochadha is a television producer and presenter from Galway, Ireland. He is the host of Slice of Life, an award-winning series that explores the lives of people from all walks of life.
- Eoin MacEochadha: Eoin MacEochadha is an Irish novelist and playwright, best known for his novel The Devil's Mark which received widespread praise upon its publication in 2002 and was short-listed for the International Dublin Literary Award in 2003.