McCaugh

McCaugh is a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Eathchaoim, meaning "son of Eathchaoim". The personal name Eathchaoim itself is believed to derive from elements meaning "horse" and "love" or "comeliness". This surname is most commonly found in the province of Munster in Ireland. Families bearing the McCaugh name have historically been associated with various counties within Munster, including Cork and Kerry. Over time, as with many Irish surnames, McCaugh has spread to other parts of Ireland and to countries with significant Irish diasporas, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Genealogists and historians note the variations in spelling that can occur with older Irish surnames due to the challenges of phonetic transcription into English. While not one of the most prevalent Irish surnames, McCaugh continues to be a recognizable identifier for individuals with roots tracing back to Ireland. Research into the McCaugh lineage often involves exploring historical land records, census data, and church registers.