MacMechan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland

Etymology of MacMechan

The Irish surname MacMechan was originally Ó Miadhachain in Irish Gaelic, which is derived from the word "miadhach," meaning "honorable." 1

Early Origins of the MacMechan family

Early History of the MacMechan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacMechan research. Another 102 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacMechan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacMechan Spelling Variations

Within archives, many different spelling variations exist for the surname MacMechan. Ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in the name of the single person being recorded under several different spellings. Different spellings that were found include O'Meehan, Meighan, MacMeehan, MacMeekin, MacMeekan,MacMehan, MacMehon and many more.

Early Notables of the MacMechan family

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

Migration of the MacMechan family

North America accepted thousands of Irish immigrants during the 19th century as their homeland suffered under foreign imperialistic rule. Although settlers from the early portion of the century came to North America by choice in search of land, by far the largest influx of Irish immigrants came to North America during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. Many of these Irish families left the country destitute and in some cases suffering from disease. However, those who survived the long ocean voyage were especially vital to the development of industry in the United States and what would become known as Canada. Research of immigration and passenger lists has shown many early immigrants bearing the name MacMechan: Owen McMehan, who settled in Philadelphia in 1845; Juda and Felix McMean settled in Boston in 1768.