McMahon surname: meaning and origin
McMahon means son of Mathghamhain, meaning bear. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Monaghan and Clare.
| Irish form | Mac Mathúna |
|---|---|
| Meaning | son of Mathghamhain, meaning bear |
| Home region | Monaghan and Clare (Ulster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | MacMahon |
History of the McMahon name
There are two main families, the McMahons of Oriel in Monaghan and the Mac Mathúna of Thomond in Clare. Both claim the bear as the root of the name.
More surnames from Ulster
- BoyleÓ Baoighill · descendant of Baoighill
- BradyMac Brádaigh · son of Brádach
- McBrideMac Giolla Bhríde · son of the devotee of Saint Brigid
- ClarkeÓ Cléirigh · descendant of the cleric
- O'DohertyÓ Dochartaigh · descendant of Dochartach
- O'DonnellÓ Dónaill · descendant of Dónall
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname McMahon mean?
McMahon (Irish: Mac Mathúna) means son of Mathghamhain, meaning bear.
What is the Irish spelling of McMahon?
The Irish-language form of McMahon is Mac Mathúna.
Where is the surname McMahon from?
McMahon is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Monaghan and Clare in Ulster.
What are other spellings of McMahon?
Related spellings and forms include MacMahon.