Surname MacKaughan - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKaughan: What does the surname MacKaughan mean?
The surname MacKaughan is of Scottish origin and belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. It is generated from the ancient Gaelic MacEacháin which means "son of Eachán". Eachán is a personal name derived from each, the Gaelic word for "horse". Thus, the name can be interpreted as "son of the horseman" indicating the original bearers of the surname may have been horse riders, trainers, breeders, or warriors on horseback. Like many surnames of Gaelic origin, MacKaughan may have variants due to phonetic shifts and anglicization, possibly appearing as MacEachan, MacGeachan, MacGeaghan, and others. In terms of regional distribution, Scottish surnames like MacKaughan are typically associated with the Highland clans and can provide hints about the family's geographical origins and historical affiliations. Surnames are valuable links to the past, indicating ancestral occupations, characteristics, or locations, and MacKaughan is no exception.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKaughan: Where does the name MacKaughan come from?
The last name MacKaughan appears to be of Scottish origin. It is likely a variant of McCaughan, an anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac Eacháin" meaning "son of Eachán". The Gaelic personal name Eachán is composed of elements meaning "horse" and "bird". MacKaughan, like McCaughan, is specifically associated with the northern regions of Scotland and the islands on the west coast, particularly the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides.
Today, the MacKaughan surname is considerably rare, but can still be found in Scotland, particularly in areas with strong historic connections to the Highland and Island clans. Furthermore, due to historic Scottish emigration, particularly during periods of the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, the name may also be found in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, where many Scottish people settled. However, even in these countries, it remains relatively uncommon.
Variations of the surname MacKaughan
The surname MacKaughan is of Irish origin. The original Gaelic form of this surname is Mac Eachain, which translates to "son of Eachan." Eachan itself is a given name comprising of two elements: "each" meaning "horse" and "an" a diminutive suffix.
Variants of this surname arise from phonetic anglicization and variation in regional dialects over the centuries. Some of the variants and similar surnames include McEachan, McGeachen, MacEachen, MacGeachan, MacKeaghan, MacAughan, McKeegan, McKechan, and Keegan. There are considerable variations in spellings too, like M'Geachan, M'Gechan, M'Kaughan, M'Keachan, M'Kechan, MacCochan, MacGahon, and MacGechan.
However, the popularity and common usage of these different versions vary from region to region. Please note that the association of a name with a specific origin is not exact science and the accuracy can vary. Therefore, it is recommended to use genealogical and historical records for confirming familial and geographical derivations.
Famous people with the name MacKaughan
- Cameron MacKaughan: Cameron MacKaughan is a film, television, and stage actor who has acted in several big name films, such as Spider-Man 3, Alice In Wonderland, and Super 8.
- Fran MacKaughan: Fran MacKaughan is an American poet, novelist, and short-story writer. He has written several novels, including A Game of Making Time, as well as several acclaimed poetry collections.
- Amanda MacKaughan: Amanda MacKaughan is an American artist who has exhibited her work in numerous galleries around the world. Her work explores themes of nature, memory, and the sacred feminine.
- Ron MacKaughan: Ron MacKaughan is a Canadian journalist, columnist, and documentary film-maker. He is best known for his work on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Nightline and The National and is the author of several books.
- Christopher MacKaughan: Christopher MacKaughan is an American actor, writer and director. He has directed several short films and has acted in several television programs, including CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Saving Grace.
- Edward MacKaughan: Edward MacKaughan is an American actor who is best known for his roles in films such as Moneyball and Easy A.
- John MacKaughan: John MacKaughan is an Australian actor who has appeared in films and television series such as The Matrix Reloaded, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Underbelly.
- Margaret MacKaughan: Margaret MacKaughan is an American illustrator and author who is best known for writing the children’s book series, The Secret Life of Plants.