MacKiernan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland

Etymology of MacKiernan

The original Gaelic form of MacKiernan was Mac Thighearnain, which is derived from the word "tighearna," which means "lord."

Early Origins of the MacKiernan family

Early History of the MacKiernan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKiernan research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacKiernan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKiernan Spelling Variations

Within the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname MacKiernan 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. Kiernan, MacKiernan, Tiernan, McKernan, McKernon, McKernin, McKernen and many more.

Early Notables of the MacKiernan family

More information is included under the topic Early MacKiernan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacKiernan family

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name MacKiernan: Hugh Kiernan who arrived in Philadelphia in 1802; followed by James in 1826; Charles, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Thomas Kiernan all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870.