Surname MacKehoe - Meaning and Origin

MacKehoe: What does the surname MacKehoe mean?

The last name MacKehoe is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Mac Eochaidh, which derives from the Gaelic words "mac", meaning "son of", and "eochaidh", meaning "horse lord". The name itself signifies that the family is of noble birth as “horse lord” is a title given to a high-ranking member of a clan. Historically the MacKehoes were a part of the powerful Uí Néill dynasty, one of the foremost power groups in early Irish history. It is also possible that the name may have Norse origins as it ties in with a common Norse surname, MacKeogh.

The MacKehoes were a prominent Irish family and some of the earliest records of the name MacKehoe have been found in County Leitrim and County Sligo. The MacKehoes were prominent landowners in the Donegal area and established several castles in the area. Their most famous structure was Donegal Castle, which was originally constructed in the late 16th century and later remodeled in Edwardian style.

The MacKehoes were renowned for their law and order ways and have clashed with royal authority several times over the course of history. Many MacKehoes subordinate the Irish regular army in the Irish Civil War and fought for the cause of Irish independence from Britain.

Today, the MacKehoes are a prominent surname throughout Ireland and can be found in many parts of the world. It is believed that the name MacKehoe signifies a respected family that has a long and distinguished history.

MacKehoe: Where does the name MacKehoe come from?

The last name MacKehoe is primarily found in Ireland. It is a rare name that has roots in Co. Tyrone and Co. Donegal in Northern Ireland. It is also known to spread to other places, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and England.

The last name MacKehoe is heavily concentrated in Kerry and Cork Counties in southwestern Ireland. It is also found in other regions of the country. In the United States, MacKehoes are concentrated in New York, followed by Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

The MacKehoe’s family crest is known to feature three red hearts with a red lion, and a stag supporting a green shield with three white stars. This makes it an instantly recognizable coat of arms.

The MacKehoes of Ireland can trace their roots to the 17th century. The name has been around for hundreds of years and has contributed to the formation of many sub-branches of the family.

Today, the last name MacKehoe is still common all over the world, but most of the people bearing this name are based in Ireland. While the MacKehoes of Ireland are the most populous, people of this name can be found settled in many different countries, contributing to those countries’ culture and society.

Variations of the surname MacKehoe

The surname MacKehoe has several closely related variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include MacKeogh, MacKeough, McKee, Makey, Makeigh, and MacKeigh. The surname MacKehoe originated from the 11th century in the Kingdom of Desmond, the southwestern area of Ireland. It was first seen in the Barony of Condons & Clangibbon as the Mac Keogh Clan. The MacKehoe surname is believed to be derived from the Gaelic phrase “Mac Eochaidh” meaning “son of Eochaidh”.

The other spellings of the MacKehoe surname all stem from the same origin. The MacKeough, McKee, Makey, Makeigh, and MacKeigh surnames are all various spellings and variants of MacKehoe. The spelling MacKeogh was commonly used by the descendants of the MacKehoe family who had emigrated to America during the great famine in the 1840s. As phonetic spelling wasn’t standardized during this time period, the MacKeogh spelling was used to differentiate the family from the McKee family.

Many of the MacKehoe family lines can trace their ancestors back to either the Barony of Condons & Clangibbon in the Kingdom of Desmond or to the Ulster-Scots who emigrated to Northern Ireland in the 1600s. As the surname is quite rare, there are few surviving records providing details of the family’s history. However, the origins of the surname can still be traced to its roots in the 11th century.

Famous people with the name MacKehoe

• Joe MacKehoe: American independent filmmaker and director.
• Leslie MacKehoe:American computer scientist and mathematician.
• Gareth MacKehoe: Irish professional footballer.
• Eric MacKehoe: American college lacrosse coach.
• John Patrick MacKehoe: U.S. Navy admiral.
• Frank MacKehoe: Irish hurling manager.
• Jack MacKehoe: Irish former hurler.
• Eamon MacKehoe: Irish Gaelic footballer.
• Paddy MacKehoe: Irish Catholic priest and poet.
• Murphy James MacKehoe: American Civil War Medal of Honor recipient.
• Dennis MacKehoe: Irish priest and doctor of divinity.
• Jordan MacKehoe: American actress and producer.
• Michael MacKehoe: British three-day eventer.
• Joe MacKehoe: American former professional ice hockey player.
• Herbert MacKehoe: Australian cricketer.
• David MacKehoe: American emergency care physician.
• John MacKehoe: Canadian renowned team roper.
• Harry MacKehoe: English professional footballer.
• Daniel MacKehoe: American businessman.
• Rev. John MacKehoe: American Catholic priest from Philadelphia.

Other surnames

MacKehilly