Surname MacKeahan - Meaning and Origin
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MacKeahan: What does the surname MacKeahan mean?
The last name MacKeahan is of Scottish origin, and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Eochaidh, meaning “son of Eochaidh.” The name is likely related to the ancient O'Kean or O'Cahan, which may be derived from the Irish words ceann, meaning “head” or “chief.”
In Scotland, the name is especially associated with people of the Hebrides, the islands off the west coast of Scotland. Its roots may also be linked to the Irish Uí Ceallacháin dynasty, which traces its origins back to the 7th century Irish king Cenn Fáelad mac Colmáin.
The MacKeahan name is found most frequently today in Scotland, especially in the Western Isles, Northern Ireland, and the northeastern United States. It can also be found in Canada, with some members of the family now living in Ontario and Quebec.
The MacKeahan name is a testament to the proud and ancient Highland heritage, and is still a popular surname in parts of Scotland, Ireland, and North America. Traditionally associated with the rugged landscape of the Hebrides, the descendants of the first MacKeahans trace their origins back to a proud and hard-working people.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKeahan: Where does the name MacKeahan come from?
The last name MacKeahan is most commonly found in the United States, although there are pockets of people with this last name that are located in other countries such as Canada, Ireland, and Australia. In the United States, areas where the last name is most commonly found are in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Connecticut.
The MacKeahan surname is mostly believed to have originated from the Irish Gaelic Mac Aodhagain, which likely means son of Aodhagain or son of Aodh. Aodh is an ancient Irish god known for being a warrior and an ancestor figure. Because of Ireland’s long history of famine and emigration, it is not uncommon for Irish families to settle all over the world, including the United States.
Within the United States, many MacKeahans ended up in New England due to the great migration of Irish immigrants during the 19th century. The population of MacKeahans grew in this region, although they are still fairly sparse for a surname.
Overall, the last name MacKeahan is not overly common, but it is scattered throughout parts of the United States and a few other countries. Those with this last name are likely descended from the ancient Irish and proud to carry such a rich history.
Variations of the surname MacKeahan
MacKeahan is a surname of Gaelic origin, which is also spelled MacKeheen, McKahan and McKahen. The variations of this surname derive from variants of the Celtic surname Mac Aodhagain, which means ‘son of Aodhagain’ or ‘son of Egan’.
The Cain family of MacKeahan typically descend from the Ui Eochagain Sept, who were a branch of the ancient Irish tribal group the Eoganacht. This Sept was one of the most powerful and influential in Munster in the 11th-century.
Variants of the surname MacKeahan include MacKeheean, Mckahan, McKahen, McKaghem, McKahan, MacKeham, McKahern, McKain, McKane, Mackane, O'Keehane, O'Keahane, Keehane, Mackayhan, and MacKahane.
Other surnames that are derived from the same source as MacKeahan include Ahearn, Ahern, Aherne, Ahearne, Ahearney, Kahan, Kealy, Kean, Keen, Kearne, Keane, Kehegan, O'Ceirin, O'Keane, O'Kane, and O'Kehegan.
In conclusion, MacKeahan is a surname of Gaelic origin, which is also spelled several other ways. The variants of the surname are derived from the ancient Irish tribal group the Eoganacht, and other surnames which are derived from the same source as MacKeahan include Ahearn, Ahern, Aherne, Ahearne, Ahearney, Kahan, Kealy, Kean, Keen, Kearne, Keane, Kehegan, O'Ceirin, O'Keane, O'Kane and O'Kehegan.
Famous people with the name MacKeahan
- Scott McKeahan: American professional baseball coach
- Don McKeahan: American former professional baseball player
- Steven McKeahan: American Republican party politician from Texas
- Brendan McKeahan: American actor best known for his roles in the television series Switched at Birth, Major Crimes, and Scorpion
- Doug McKeahan: American professional wrestler
- Larry McKeahan: Canadian professional hockey player
- Lindsay McKeahan: British actress
- Martin McKeahan: American former professional baseball and basketball player
- Sauniere McKeahan: French chef and restaurateur
- Sydney McKeahan: Australian screenwriter, director, and producer