Surname MacMurrough - Meaning and Origin
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MacMurrough: What does the surname MacMurrough mean?
The last name MacMurrough is an Anglicized version of the Irish name MacMurchadha, which comes from the Gaelic Mac Murchadha, meaning “son of Murchadh”. Murchadh means “seaman” or “sea warrior” and is also the root of the Irish name Muiris.
The MacMurroughs are descended from Diarmuid Ua Murchadha, who was a prince of Leinster in the 12th century. After the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in the late 12th century, he was ousted as ruler of Leinster, and his sons sought help from the Anglo-Normans in retrieving his title. After the successful intervention of the Anglo-Normans, Diarmuid Ua Murchadha reconfirmed the relationship by pledging his allegiance to the new ruling English powers, thereby creating the first MacMurrough family.
The MacMurroughs have played an important role in Irish and British history since then. They became the ruling family of Leinster, assuming the title of Prince of Leinster. The family established a Norman-Irish alliance, which allowed the MacMurroughs to seek English aid while maintaining their Irish traditions and rights.
The MacMurroughs are renowned for their courage and loyalty. They have proudly served as members of the British Army, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Air Force, protecting the interests of both England and Ireland abroad. Their legacy is still remembered and respected today, and their surname is a testament to the MacMurroughs’ great influence in history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMurrough: Where does the name MacMurrough come from?
The last name MacMurrough is most commonly found today in Ireland and surrounding areas. It is a variant of the ancient Uí Fiachrach clan, tracing its origins to the high king of Ireland Muirchertach mac Ercae c. 845 AD.
It's believed that MacMurroughs descended from the O'Giane clan, who had a fort on the banks of the Nore River, in what is now County Kilkenny. Although the exact origins of the name are unclear, it is believed to be derived from the Irish Mac Muireadhaigh, meaning “son of Muireadhach” or “son of a descendant of Muireadhach”.
Today, MacMurrough is quite common in counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Offaly, Laois, and Waterford. It is one of the top 50 surnames associated with the province of Leinster in the Irish language, and is also popular in parts of Scotland, particularly the Highlands.
The name is still seen around the world today in the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and elsewhere. Many families with the surname of MacMurrough have remained in Ireland since the 1600s and today, they continue to form an important part of Irish culture.
Variations of the surname MacMurrough
The surname MacMurrough is a form of the ancient Gaelic name Mac Murchada, which traced its origin to the eleventh century King of Leinster from the Uí Murchada dynasty in Ireland.
Variants and spellings of this surname include MacMorrow, MacMorrowy, MacMurrow, MacMurry, McMurry, McMurray, MacMurrough, MacMorrough, MacMurrah, MacMorah, MacMordha, and MacM hurta.
The surname is also sometimes spelled MacMorrow, MacMorrough, MacMorrowy, McMorrow, McMorrah, MacMurrah, and MacMurrow. Its variants may have also been Anglicized as MacMurra, McMurrin, McMurlock, McMurrich, and McMurrey. Others may have assumed different spellings of the surname, such as MacMure, MacMarian, MacMorda, or MacMord.
Surnames which have a similar origin to MacMurrough include MacMorogh, which is derived from the popular Irish clan MacMurrough Kavanagh, and MacMahon, which originates from the Irish clans of O'Mahon, MacMahon, MacMann, and MacMahun.
The name MacMorrow is also related to the surname MacMurrough. It is an Anglicized version of MacMurchada, and is derived from the Gaelic sept of the Mac Murchada dynasty in Ireland. It may also be spelled MacMorrough, MacMorrowy, and McMorrow.
Lastly, the MacMurtagh, or MacMurtry surname is thought to have developed from the Mac Murchada Gaelic sept. The original Gaelic form of the name was Mac Muircheartaigh, which can be Anglicized as MacMurtagh, MacMurtry, or MacMurtrie.
Famous people with the name MacMurrough
- Diarmait MacMurchada: 12th-century king of Leinster
- Donal MacMurrough Kavanagh: 14th-century king of Leinster
- Cathal MacMurrough Kavanagh: 15th-century king of Leinster
- Domhnall mac Diarmata- McMurrough: 17th-century chief of the McMurrough Kavanaghs
- Diarmuid MacMurrough Kavanagh: 18th-century Captain of the Irish Volunteers
- Anna MacMurrough: 19th-century Irish dancer
- Robert D. MacMurrough: 19th-century businessman, philanthropist, and mayor of Cork City
- Brian MacMurrough Kavanagh: 20th-century Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps
- Niall MacMurrough O'Connor: 20th-century Irish politician
- Conleth MacMurrough Kavanagh: 20th-century lawyer, political activist, and environmental pioneer
- Triona MacMurrough: 20th-century Irish soprano singer
- John MacMurrough Kavanagh: Irish radio and television personality
- William MacMurrough Kavanagh: Irish politician
- Paul MacMurrough Kavanagh: Irish film and television producer
- Brendan MacMurrough Kavanagh: Irish businessman, property developer, and philanthropist
- Amhlaoibh MacMurrough Kavanagh: Irish-born actor and comedian
- Barry MacMurrough Kavanagh: Irish actor and musician