Meath Surname

The History and Distribution of the Surname Meath

The surname Meath is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name O'Meithe. The prefix "O" means "descendant of," so O'Meithe translates to "descendant of Meithe." The exact meaning of the name Meithe is uncertain, but it is believed to have been a personal name or a place name in ancient Ireland.

Origin of the Surname

The O'Meithe family were originally from County Meath in Ireland, which is where the surname likely originated. County Meath is located in the eastern part of Ireland, and it was once known as the "Royal County" because it was the seat of the High King of Ireland. The surname Meath was likely adopted by families who lived in or had ancestral connections to County Meath.

Over time, the surname spread to other parts of Ireland and eventually to other English-speaking countries around the world. Today, the surname Meath can be found in the United States, England, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and other countries.

Distribution of the Surname

According to data from various countries, the surname Meath is most common in the United States, with 739 incidences reported. This is not surprising given the large Irish immigrant population in the US and the prevalence of Irish surnames in American society.

In England, the surname Meath is less common, with only 120 incidences reported. This could be due to the smaller Irish population in England compared to the US, as well as the different immigration patterns of Irish people in the two countries.

Australia, Canada, and Ireland also have significant numbers of individuals with the surname Meath, with 58, 22, and 23 incidences reported, respectively. These countries have historical ties to Ireland and have received significant Irish immigration over the years.

In other countries such as Russia, South Africa, Germany, China, the Czech Republic, Cambodia, Mauritania, and Turkey, the surname Meath is much less common, with only a few incidences reported in each country. This reflects the global dispersion of Irish surnames and the diverse migration patterns of Irish people.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Meath

While the surname Meath may not be as well-known as some other Irish surnames, there have been a few notable individuals with this surname. One such individual is John Meath, a renowned Irish poet and author who gained recognition for his literary works in the early 20th century. Another notable figure is Mary Meath, a prominent Irish politician who served as a Member of Parliament in the 1990s.

These individuals, along with many others with the surname Meath, have contributed to the rich history and cultural heritage of the Irish people. Their achievements serve as a testament to the resilience and talent of the Irish diaspora around the world.

In Conclusion

The surname Meath is a symbol of Irish heritage and identity, with roots that trace back to County Meath in Ireland. While the surname may not be as common or well-known as some other Irish surnames, it has a rich history and holds significance for those who bear it. The distribution of the surname Meath across different countries reflects the global reach of the Irish people and their enduring influence on the world.

The surname Meath in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar occurs when it comes to Meath, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname which can be present in most of the nations associated with the world. In the same way you can find countries by which truly the density of people aided by the surname Meath is more than far away.

The map for the Meath surname

1. United States (739)
2. England (120)
3. Australia (58)
4. Ireland (23)
5. Canada (22)
6. Russia (4)
7. South Africa (4)
8. Germany (2)
9. China (1)
10. Czech Republic (1)
11. Cambodia (1)
12. Mauritania (1)
13. Turkey (1)