Show ContentsMagauren History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Magauren surname was originally the Irish Gaelic Mag Shamhrain, which is derived from the word "samhra," meaning "summer." 1

Early Origins of the Magauren family

The surname Magauren was first found in County Cavan. The family claim descent through "Breannan, brother of Hugh Fionn who is No. 93 on the 'O'Rourke' pedigree." 1

Early History of the Magauren family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Magauren research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1410, 1444, 1476, 1481, 1547, 1581, 1587 and 1593 are included under the topic Early Magauren History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Magauren Spelling Variations

Within the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname Magauren were found. These included One reason for the many variations is that scribes and church officials often spelled an individual's name as it sounded. This imprecise method often led to many versions. MacGovern, Magauran, MacGoveran, MacGoverin and others.

Early Notables of the Magauren family

Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Magauren Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Magauren family

During the 19th century thousands of impoverished Irish families made the long journey to British North America and the United States. These people were leaving a land that had become beset with poverty, lack of opportunity, and hunger. In North America, they hoped to find land, work, and political and religious freedoms. Although the majority of the immigrants that survived the long sea passage did make these discoveries, it was not without much perseverance and hard work: by the mid-19th century land suitable for agriculture was short supply, especially in British North America, in the east; the work available was generally low paying and physically taxing construction or factory work; and the English stereotypes concerning the Irish, although less frequent and vehement, were, nevertheless, present in the land of freedom, liberty, and equality for all men. The largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. Research into passenger and immigration lists has brought forth evidence of the early members of the Magauren family in North America: Daniel MacGoveran, who settled in Philadelphia in 1840; Andrew, Bernard, Edward, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Peter, Terry, Thomas MacGovern all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.



  1. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)


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