McKeogh

McKeogh is a surname of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Eochaidh, meaning "son of Eochaidh." Eochaidh is a Gaelic personal name that is commonly connected with the word for horse or, in some interpretations, with the yew tree; the name reflects medieval Gaelic patronymic naming practices.

Variants and related spellings include Keogh, Kehoe, Keeogh, Keeogh, and occasionally MacKee or MacKeogh. The multiple spellings arose from varying Anglicization practices and regional dialects, leading to a family of names that share a common Gaelic root.

Geographic distribution: In Ireland, McKeogh and its variants are found across several regions with roots in Gaelic naming. In the modern era, bearers of the name and its variants are also present in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, due to historical emigration and ongoing migration.

History: The form Mac Eochaidh appears in medieval Gaelic manuscripts and legal records. Over the centuries, Anglicization produced forms such as McKeogh and Keogh. As with many Irish surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied by time and place, often reflecting local clerical practices and migration patterns.

Pronunciation and notes: Pronunciation varies with dialect and spelling. For genealogical or archival purposes, it is helpful to check local records, as exact pronunciation and spelling of the name may differ across generations and regions.