Surname MacTighernain - Meaning and Origin

MacTighernain: What does the surname MacTighernain mean?

The surname MacTighernain is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic elements "Mac," meaning "son of," and "Tighernain," a personal name which means "lord" or "master." So, the surname MacTighernain translates roughly to "son of the lord" or "son of the master." Like many Irish surnames, it was originally a patronymic name, meant to identify a person as the son of his father. Over time, these patronymic names became fixed as family surnames. The English spellings of this name can vary greatly due to the anglicization of Gaelic names, but common examples include MacTiernan, MacTiernain, and even MacTernan. It is important to note that the specific meanings of old Gaelic names may not be fully understood today, as the language and societal context have changed significantly over centuries. As a result, the meaning provided is a best approximation based on existing knowledge of Gaelic language and naming conventions.

MacTighernain: Where does the name MacTighernain come from?

The last name MacTighernain is of Irish origin. It's an anglicised form of the Old Gaelic name Mac Tighearnain, which translates to "son of the lord or master". This name was particularly associated with County Cavan in Ireland, where the MacTighernain were hereditary poets to the O’Reilly clan, a significant Irish royal dynasty during the Middle Ages.

However, like many Irish surnames, MacTighernain experienced various modifications and shortened versions over time due to immigrations, especially to the United States, during times such as the Great Famine of Ireland in the mid-19th century. Simplified versions of the name such as Ternan, Tiernan, McKiernan, and Kiernan became more common.

Today, it is still found in Ireland. However, it may also be found among the Irish diaspora communities around the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, where it is more common under its anglicized forms. The original form, MacTighernain, is relatively rare now.

Variations of the surname MacTighernain

The surname MacTighernain is of Gaelic origin, primarily found in Ireland. It has several variations and spellings due to anglicization, dialect differences, and phonetic spellings over centuries. The surname literally means "son of Tighearnán" with Tighearnán itself meaning "little lord."

Variants of the name MacTighernain include MacTernan, MacTiernan, MacTierney, MacTighearnain, and MacTern-y. The shortened version Ternan or Tiernan also became a surname and is relatively more common. The prefixes could also vary resulting in McTernan, McTiernan, McTierney, or McTighearnain. The 'Mac' and 'Mc' prefixes both denote "son of".

Anglicized versions of the name often drop the 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix altogether, leading to names like Tiernan, Tierney, Ternan, or Tighearnan. The transition from Gaelic to English sometimes also led to simplification or phonetic spelling of the name, such as Tierney, Tearney or Ternan.

Specifically, the name MacTiernan has seen usage as a surname among the people of County Leitrim in Ireland. Despite its various alterations and spellings, these names share a common ancestry and are traced back to the single root form of MacTighernain.

Famous people with the name MacTighernain

• Duncan MacTighernain: He was an 8th-century king of Dál Riata, a kingdom located in modern Scotland and northern Ireland. He reigned from 725 to 741 and is remembered as the King who brought Christianity to the region.
• Mad Mor MacTighernain: Mad Mor MacTighernain was an historical figure from Scotland. He was a warrior known for his skill in battle and is associated with the ancient MacTighernain nobility.
• Aonghas MacTighernain: Aonghas MacTighernain is the King of the Isles and Lord of Garmoran in the 16th century. He fought against the English on many occasions and was known for his diplomacy and loyalty to his kin.
• Ronan MacTighernain: Ronan MacTighernain is an Irish high king who reigned in the late 10th century. He is known for his strong rule of law and is celebrated for making great strides in Gaelic culture.
• Angus MacTighernain: Angus MacTighernain is the Chief of Clan MacTighernain in the 13th century. He was known for his prowess in war and his fierce loyalty to his clan no matter the cost.
• Neil MacTighernain: Neil MacTighernain was an 18th-century Scottish military commander and Jacobite sympathizer. He is remembered for his battles against the English and his bravery in the face of incredible odds.

Other surnames

MacTighernan