Surname Mac Ternan - Meaning and Origin
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Mac Ternan: What does the surname Mac Ternan mean?
The Mac Ternan surname (Mac an tSaoir) originates from Scotland and Ireland, and refers specifically to the Clan Ternan family. This clan was derived from the original Clan Macgillicuddy, a small Scottish clan that had settled in County Kerry, Ireland in the 13th century.
The Clan Ternan adopted its Gaelic name, Mac an tSaoir, when they settled in Ireland. Loosely translated, this means "the son of the craftsman," which refers to the family's traditional trade of blacksmithing as well as other metal and stone related crafts. This last name was also commonly spelled MacTernan, McTernan, and occasionallyMagikarp.
The Mac Ternan family was known for not only their skill in blacksmithing, but also for their cunning and resourcefulness in a variety of trades. The family was also known for their loyalty; indeed, Mac an tSaoir were notable among the other members of Clan Macgillicuddy for their unswerving devotion to the clan's traditional customs and values. It is said that this loyalty was rewarded when the family received a grant of land near Dingle, Ireland in 1542. This island became their permanent home, where they could continue to practice their traditional trades and come together as clan.
The Mac Ternan surname has endured to this day, with several branches of the family extending around the world. Its bearer often feel a sense of pride and an appreciation for their family's long history.
Order DNA origin analysisMac Ternan: Where does the name Mac Ternan come from?
The surname Mac Ternan is not particularly common today. It is found mainly in Ireland and Scotland, though it is believed that some families with this surname may have emigrated to the United States and Canada during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
In Ireland, the surname is mainly associated with the province of Donegal and is likely descended from the O'Donnell and O'Doherty clans of Donegal. In Scotland, the surname is found mostly in the Ayrshire region where it is believed to have originated from the Mac Ternans of Carrick and Strathclyde.
The surname has several variants, including MacTernan, MacTernan, McTernon, McTernan, and Macternan. It is unknown when, exactly, the surname first appeared, though records suggest it dates back to at least the 16th century.
Today, those with the Mac Ternan surname can be found in Ireland, Scotland, the United States, Canada, and other countries where people of Irish and/or Scottish ancestry have settled over the years. The surname is not particularly common, however, making it difficult to estimate its prevalence in any given region.
Variations of the surname Mac Ternan
The surname Mac Ternan, also known as MacTernan or Mac Ternane, is an Irish patronymic name derived from the Gaelic name of Mac Thiarnaíin. The anglicized version of this surname is Mac Tiernan, which corresponds to the Latin 'de terreno,' meaning 'from the land.' In addition, common variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the name Mac Ternan include MacTernan, MacTirnan, MacTernane, and MacTiernan.
McTernam or McTernon are also seen as alternative spellings of the surname. Another form found in medieval documents is MacTeernan. Variants of the name are also found outside of Ireland, as it is believed to have been borne by Scots immigrants in an effort to differentiate them in the same region.
Other surnames which bear a similar origin to Mac Ternan are Mac Tighearnain, MacTeer, McTernane, MacTernam, McTirnam, MacTierney, MacTyernane and MacTurnane.
The prevalence of Mac Tiernan has decreased since it first entered the English language. Prior to the 1900s, more than 4,000 people used the Mac Tiernan spelling, but as of the 2018 census, only 590 people used the spelling within the United States. Similarly, of the approximate 10,000 people using the name internationally in 2018, only 2,350 used the surname as Mac Tiernan, making it a relatively rare surname.
Famous people with the name Mac Ternan
- Maureen O'Hara MacTernan: Irish-American actress best known for her roles in such classic films as The Parent Trap, The Quiet Man, and Miracle on 34th Street.
- Monica MacTernan: Irish-based singer-songwriter who released her debut album “Who I Am” in 2011.
- Kevin MacTernan: Irish writer and director, noted for his work on RTE soap opera Fair City and Irish films such as Gridlock and the award-winning drama Submerged.
- John MacTernan: American actor and producer, most well-known for television roles such as Prince Charles' father in the historical drama series The Tudors and President Dalton on the series 24.
- Maeve MacTernan: Irish actress of stage and television, best known for her roles in the television series Damo and Ivor and Game of Thrones.
- Phelim MacTernan: Irish actor who had a starring role in the Irish historical drama series Rebellion.
- Jane MacTernan: British theater director and playwright, most famous for her work on the play The Absent Landlord.
- Barrie MacTernan: British illustrator and graphic designer who won the Best Irish Book Illustration Chilidren's Award in 2017.
- Mark MacTernan: Irish landscape and travel photographer known for his documentary work showing life in the remote areas of Ireland.
- Laurence MacTernan: English actor, known for his roles in the films Downton Abbey and The Bible: The Epic Mini-Series.