Last Name Meagher

The surname Meagher (or McEgan/Mac Eoghain) is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic Mac Eoghain, meaning "son of Eoghan." Eoghan is a personal name meaning 'young' or 'youthful.' This name has several possible origins. In Ulster, it is associated with the O'Neill clan, and in Munster, it is linked to the historic Eoganachta dynasty. The spelling variations of Meagher include MacEgan, McAgan, MacEgane, MacAgher, Meacher, McGaughan, etc., which are due to anglicization and regional dialects during the historical period when names were translated into English.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Meagher

The surname Meagher is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Gearailt, which translates to "son of Gearalt" or "descendant of the spear-powered one." Originating in Ireland, the name is predominantly found in counties Cork and Clare, suggesting it may have originated from these regions. The name Meagher has a long history in Ireland, with several notable figures bearing the name, such as Sir Thomas Meager (died 1543), an Irish judge and knight, and Patrick Meagher, who emigrated to Australia in the 1800s and played a significant role in the establishment of Victoria. The name also has variants such as MacGarrigle, MacGearailt, and O'Meagher.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meagher

The surname Meagher is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in counties Cork, Tipperary, and Dublin. It originates from the Gaelic "Mac Eoghan," meaning "son of Eoghan." Due to Irish emigration, especially during the 19th century, Meaghers are also found in significant numbers in other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., concentrations of the name can be found along historic migratory routes, such as Boston, New York City, and San Francisco. The name's presence in these diaspora communities reflects the historical migration patterns of Irish families seeking better opportunities abroad.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meagher

The surname Meagher has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across different regions. Some common spelling variants include MacEgger, Magher, MacEgur, MacHear, MacGer, MacHer, MacHeary, McEager, McEgher, MacAhear, MacEachair, MacEachr, MacHeary-McGee, and O'Meagher. These variations may also be found with prefixes such as O', Mac, or Mc, indicating Irish origin. Additionally, some families have altered their name to more commonly spelled versions, such as McGarry or McGurk, but these are not direct descendants of the Meagher lineage.

Famous people with the last name Meagher

Notable individuals with the surname Meagher include:

1. Thomas Francis Meagher (1823-1867), an Irish nationalist and politician who served as President of the Irish Confederacy during the Irish Rebellion in 1848. He later emigrated to the United States and became a Union Army officer during the American Civil War, where he is remembered for his leadership at the Battle of Chattanooga.
2. John W. Meagher Jr. (born 1956), an American judge who serves as a United States circuit judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2013 and is known for his rulings on cases related to immigration, civil liberties, and environmental issues.
3. Patrick Meagher (1875-1960), an American politician who served as the Mayor of San Francisco from 1948 to 1950. He was a prominent member of the Democratic Party and is remembered for his efforts to improve housing conditions and address poverty in the city.
4. John Meagher (born 1962), an Australian author, journalist, and academic who is best known for his work as a foreign correspondent for The Australian newspaper. He has covered conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria and has been awarded numerous prizes for his journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Meagher

The Meagher surname is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Eochaidh, meaning "son of Eochaidh," with Eochaidh being a diminutive form of each or eogha, meaning yew tree. The name is most prevalent in counties Cork and Tipperary in Ireland. Notable figures with this surname include Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish nationalist leader who founded the Irish Republican Army; John A. Meagher Jr., a Justice of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; and Katharine Houghton Hester Meagher, an American author and social reformer. The family surname is also spelled O'Meagher and MacHugh in Ireland. Genealogical research suggests that the Meaghers migrated from Ireland to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, with a significant number of Meaghers settling in the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meagher"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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