Last Name Meehan

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meehan

The meaning and origin of the last name Meehan

The surname Meehan is of Irish origin, specifically from County Cork in the southwest of Ireland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name O'hEacháin, which translates to "descendant of Eachán," a personal name derived from eoch or yök, meaning horse. The O'Meehan clan were one of the ruling families in County Cork for several centuries and traced their lineage back to Eochaidh Mór, who lived in the 5th century. During the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, the surname became anglicized from O'hEacháin to Meehan as a result of the English influence. The name is now common among Irish diaspora communities around the world, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meehan

The surname Meehan is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in counties Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Dublin, indicating a historical concentration in the western and southern regions. It originates from the Gaelic Mac Eoghain, meaning "son of Eoghan," with Eoghan being a common Irish name meaning "youth" or "young warrior."

Over time, due to Irish migration, particularly during the Great Famine in the 19th century, Meehan has also become a notable surname in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., large populations of people with the last name Meehan can be found in states such as Massachusetts, New York, and California. This distribution reflects the patterns of Irish immigration to these areas during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meehan

The surname Meehan has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Meahan, Mehigan, Meahaney, Mehigen, and Mahan. These variations may stem from phonetic spelling changes over time or local dialects. Additionally, some Meehan descendants might have anglicized their names during immigration to English-speaking countries, leading to further variations in spelling. Another variant is O'Meachain, the Gaelic form of the name, which signifies a descendant of Mac Eocháin, meaning "son of Eoin," with Eoin being an Irish name derived from John. These variations provide insight into the rich history and diversity of the Meehan name across generations and geographical regions.

Famous people with the last name Meehan

Notable individuals with the surname Meehan include:

1. Steve Meehan, an American professional ice hockey coach who has worked for several NHL teams, including the Boston Bruins and Anaheim Ducks.

2. Christy Meehan, a British actress best known for her roles in television series such as "The Bill" and "Casualty."

3. Billy Meehan, an American musician who is the bassist for the punk rock band Social Distortion.

4. Dan Meehan, an American politician who served as the United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa from 2018 to 2021.

5. Michael J. Meehan, an American attorney who was elected to the Rhode Island Senate in 2020. He previously served as Rhode Island's Attorney General from 2007 to 2015.

6. Katharine Houghton Hepburn Meehan, an American actress and writer, known for her work on "The Katie Couric Show" and various documentaries. She is the daughter of actor Christopher Hepburn and great-granddaughter of stage and screen star Katharine Hepburn.

7. Denis Meehan, a British composer and conductor who has worked extensively in television and film, including on "Doctor Who" and "The Chronicles of Narnia."

8. Peter J. Meehan, an American restaurant critic, food writer, and editor for The New York Times. He was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2016.

Genealogical research on the last name Meehan

The Meehan surname, originating from Ireland, is predominantly associated with counties Cork and Tipperary. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic O'hUidhshin or O'hEaney, derived from the personal names Uidhir or Eoghan. The Meehans are said to be descendants of Eoghan Mor (Eogan More), a 5th-century High King of Ireland. The name spread throughout Ireland but became particularly prominent in Munster due to Norman influences and the Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century. Notable figures bearing the Meehan name include Sir Cornelius O'Mahony Meehan, an Irish politician who served as Speaker of the House of Commons during the Victorian era, and William J. Meehan, a prominent American attorney and activist involved in the labor movement. The name is also present in Australia, where many Irish immigrants settled in the 19th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 23 July 2025