Mckeegan Surname

The Origins of the Surname McKeegan

The surname McKeegan is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Aodhagáin, which means "son of Aodhagán." The name Aodhagán is a diminutive of the Irish name Aodh, meaning "fire" or "fiery." The Mac prefix indicates "son of," so McKeegan translates to "son of the fiery one." This surname is common in Ireland and is predominantly found in the northern regions of the country.

Irish Heritage of the McKeegan Surname

In Ireland, the McKeegan surname has a long history rooted in the Gaelic tradition. The name was originally used as a patronymic, denoting the son of a man named Aodhagán. The Gaelic people were known for their strong sense of family and kinship, and passing down surnames from father to son was a common practice.

McKeegan is closely associated with County Antrim in Northern Ireland, where many early bearers of the surname lived. The surname is also found in other parts of Northern Ireland, as well as in County Donegal and County Derry. The McKeegan family would have been part of the larger Gaelic society, with strong ties to their clan and territory.

Migration of the McKeegan Surname

Over the centuries, many families bearing the McKeegan surname emigrated from Ireland to other parts of the world. The United States has the largest number of individuals with the McKeegan surname, with over 500 incidences recorded. This is not surprising, as Irish immigration to America has been significant throughout history, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In addition to the United States, the McKeegan surname is found in other English-speaking countries such as Great Britain (Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These nations also have a strong Irish immigrant population, contributing to the spread of the McKeegan surname.

Outside of the English-speaking world, the McKeegan surname can be found in countries such as Ireland, Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, Germany, France, Indonesia, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Norway. While the incidences of the surname may be lower in these countries, it is a testament to the global reach of the Irish diaspora.

Variations of the McKeegan Surname

Like many surnames, McKeegan has undergone various spelling variations over time. Some common variations of the surname include McKeagan, McKegan, MacKeegan, and MacEgan. These variations often reflect regional dialects, different pronunciation, or the anglicization of Gaelic names.

It is important to note that variations in spelling were common in historical records, as individuals may have had their names recorded differently by officials or clerks. This can make tracing familial connections and ancestry challenging for individuals with the McKeegan surname.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname McKeegan is a proud symbol of Irish heritage, with a long history that spans across generations and continents. From its origins in Gaelic Ireland to its presence in modern-day immigrant communities, the McKeegan surname continues to be a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Irish people.

The surname Mckeegan into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same takes place in the case of Mckeegan, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname which can be found in all the countries of the globe. Just as you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of people with all the surname Mckeegan is greater than in other countries.

The map associated with Mckeegan surname

1. United States (542)
2. Nothern Ireland (208)
3. England (177)
4. Canada (112)
5. Australia (39)
6. Scotland (37)
7. Wales (7)
8. Jersey (7)
9. New Zealand (6)
10. Ireland (2)
11. Argentina (1)
12. Belgium (1)
13. Bermuda (1)
14. Germany (1)
15. France (1)
16. Indonesia (1)
17. Mexico (1)
18. Netherlands (1)
19. Norway (1)