The surname McKiernan is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Giobhnaigh. It belongs to the group of Irish surnames that were formed from the name of a chieftain or prince. The name Mac Giobhnaigh means "son of Seán" (Seán being the Irish form of John), and was originally borne by descendants of a prominent sept in County Monaghan, Ireland. Over time, various anglicizations of this name have emerged due to English influences, one such variation being McKiernan.
The surname McKeirnan is an anglicized form of the Irish name Mac Giobhnaigáin, which translates to "son of the servant (or retainer) of John." The name originates from Ireland and is often associated with County Donegal in the province of Ulster. In Gaelic, the name is spelled Mac Giobhnóigáin or Mac Giobhnaigáin, where "Mac" signifies "son," "Giobhan" represents John, and "-an" indicates patronymic possession. The anglicized form McKeirnan emerged due to English influence, with variations such as McGeeran, McKeery, and McKeern also existing. Over time, the name has spread beyond Ireland due to migration and assimilation, becoming a common surname in other countries, particularly in North America.
The surname McKeirnan has its origins primarily in Ireland, specifically County Donegal and County Monaghan, reflecting its Gaelic form, Mac Aodháin or Mac Eodóin. Over time, many Irish families emigrated to other countries, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries due to economic hardship and famine. As a result, McKeirnans can be found in significant numbers in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In the United States, the highest concentrations are in states with strong Irish-American populations like Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. The distribution of the McKeirnan surname globally reflects the historical pattern of Irish migration and settlement over the last several centuries.
The surname McKeirnan has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to transcribing errors over time. Some common variations include MacKeirnan, McKiernan, MacKiernan, McKeernan, McKearnan, and MacKeonran. The name originates from Ireland, specifically County Roscommon, where it is often associated with the O'Ceannainn sept of Connacht. This surname translates as "descendant of Ceannán," which means "little head" in Gaelic. In the United States, different counties and states might record the name differently due to phonetic spelling interpretations by census takers or clerks. Therefore, it is common to find multiple spellings for this particular surname within family trees.
Notable individuals with the surname McKiernan include:
1. Sean MacKiernan (born 1963), an American journalist and television news anchor, currently working at Fox News Channel.
2. William E. McKiernan (1940-2017), a United States Army general who served as the Commander of the United States Joint Forces Command from 2003 to 2007.
3. Peter J. McKiernan (born 1958), an American attorney and government official, who served as the United States Ambassador to Denmark from 2014 to 2017.
4. John McKiernan (1864-1943), a Canadian politician who served as the Mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba from 1905 to 1906.
5. Michael McKiernan (born 1963), an Irish singer-songwriter and musician, known for his work with the band Something Happens in the 1980s.
The surname McKeirnan originates from Ireland and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cearnain, meaning "son of Cearnin." The name was anglicized to variations such as McKernan, McKiernan, and McKernin during the period of British rule in Ireland. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is that of Toirdhealbhach Mac Cearnain, who lived in the 13th century. The McKeirnans were predominantly located in County Tyrone and County Armagh, but also had settlements in other parts of Ulster. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many members of the clan emigrated to Scotland, England, and America in search of better opportunities. Notable individuals with the surname McKeirnan include Thomas Francis McKeirnan, an Irish-American soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor during the American Civil War, and Sister Mary McKeown McKeirnan, a noted educator and nun.
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