McDonagh

McDonagh is a surname of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish language and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname MacDonnagh, meaning "son of Donnachadh," a personal name that is composed of "donn," meaning "brown" or "champion," and "achadh," meaning "field" or "meadow."

The McDonagh family has a long history in Ireland, dating back to the Middle Ages. They were a prominent clan in County Galway and played a significant role in Irish politics and warfare during this period. Many members of the McDonagh family were lords of Moylurg, a barony in northwestern County Roscommon.

In the 16th century, the McDonaghs began to convert to Protestantism, and some members of the family became wealthy landlords. However, they also faced persecution and confinement during the Penal Laws, a series of laws that restricted the rights of Catholics in Ireland.

Today, the McDonagh surname is found not only in Ireland but also in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Many people with the surname McDonagh claim Irish ancestry and are proud of their heritage.

Notable individuals with the surname McDonagh include Sir Patrick McDonagh, a 17th-century Anglo-Irish army officer, and Andrew McDonagh, an Irish author and journalist. The surname has also been borne by several notable Irish charities and organizations, including the McDonagh Institute, a research center at the National University of Ireland, Galway.