MacKeoghs

MacKeoghs is a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Eoghain, meaning "son of Eoghan." Eoghan is a personal name of uncertain etymology, though it is often associated with the word "eog" meaning "noble" or "well-born." The MacKeoghs were a prominent clan in Ireland, particularly in the province of Ulster. Their ancestral lands were primarily located in what is now County Tyrone and County Donegal. Like many Gaelic clans, the MacKeoghs held significant political and military influence in their region for centuries.

The history of the MacKeoghs is intertwined with the broader narrative of Irish history, including periods of Norman invasion, English colonization, and various rebellions. During these turbulent times, the clan's fortunes fluctuated, with periods of power and influence often followed by decline. As with many Irish surnames, anglicization occurred gradually, with "Mac Eoghain" eventually becoming transcribed as MacKeogh or variations thereof, such as Keogh or Keoghane. Today, the surname MacKeoghs can be found throughout Ireland and in countries with significant Irish diaspora, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. While the clan structure has long since dissolved, the surname remains a lasting connection to a rich Gaelic heritage.