Surname McHargue - Meaning and Origin

McHargue: What does the surname McHargue mean?

McHargue is a surname of Scottish origin. It derives from the Gaelic Mac Eacharna, meaning "son of Eacharn." The name Eacharn is a combination of the elements "each," meaning "horse," and "cath," meaning "warrior." Thus, the name can be metaphorically translated as "son of the horse warrior." The McHargue family name was found particularly in Galloway region in Scotland. Over time, due to factors such as migration and anglicization, the surname has seen various spellings including McKerrow, McHarg, and more. Notably, many members of the McHargue family migrated to North America during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century, leading to the surname's prevalence in the United States today.

McHargue: Where does the name McHargue come from?

The surname McHargue is of Scottish origin, rooted in the Gaelic name 'Mac Eacharna,' meaning 'son of Eacharn.' Eacharn itself is a Gaelic personal name composed of the elements 'each,' meaning horse, and 'fearna,' meaning alder (tree species), symbolizing a warrior or horseman. The surname indicates that one is a descendant of a person named Eacharn, illustrating the Celtic tradition of patronymic surnames.

Although the McHargue surname came from Scotland, clan movements, emigration, and the passage of time, have dispersed the bearers of this surname around the world. A significant number of individuals carrying this surname moved to Northern Ireland during the Plantation of Ulster, and some even migrated further to the United States and other parts of the world during the Highland Clearances and the subsequent waves of Scottish emigration.

Today, the surname McHargue is much more common in the United States than in Scotland or Ireland, thanks largely to the history of Scottish and Irish emigration to the US. The name is particularly prevalent in states like Kentucky, North Carolina, and California. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the name is less common due to historical complexities and societal changes.

Variations of the surname McHargue

The surname McHargue is of Scottish origin. It likely originates from the Gaelic MacFhearghuis, which translates to "son of Fergus."

Different variants and spellings of the surname McHargue could include McHarg, McHarge, McHargh, and M'Harg. These variations come from the phonetic nature of its Gaelic origin.

Ancestors of the McHargue family were part of a larger clan system in Scotland, specifically the Clan Fergusson. Thus, related surnames could be Fergusson, Ferguson, and Fergus.

Given that spelling of last names often changed upon immigration, especially to English-speaking countries, it is likely that many McHargue's in America had their surname altered upon arrival. Thus, tracing lineage may require looking into a variety of these spellings.

It should be noted that these are just potential variations based on common Scottish phonetic shifts and historic habits of scribing names. Therefore, there may be other variants and related surnames not covered in this list. Furthermore, direct connections between the surnames should be validated with genealogical research.

Famous people with the name McHargue

• Bill McHargue: Former President and CEO of Regal Films Inc.
• Mark McHargue: Professional marathon runner
• Kaylyn McHargue: American soccer player
• Tim McHargue: Former professional baseball pitcher
• Michael McHargue: Comic writer
• Thomas McHargue: Former American Major League Baseball pitcher
• Caden McHargue: American professional golfer
• Danielle McHargue: American figure skater
• Drew McHargue: Professional basketball player
• Melanie McHargue: American news anchor

Other surnames

McHarg