The original Gaelic versions of today's Irish names demonstrate a proud, ancient past. The original Gaelic form of the name Ternahan is Mac Tighearnain, which is derived from the word tighearna, which means "lord."
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Early Origins of the Ternahan family
The surname Ternahan was first found in County Cavan, at Tullyhunco where the "Annals of the Four Masters" show no fewer than 33 Tiernans. Almost all were Chiefs of Teallach Donnchadha. Despite their high ranking, their exploits were not well documented from 1250-1550. One must presume that they ruled with compassion and understanding and were amiable to their fellow man. The "Mac" prefix of the name is typically spelt "MacTernan" or "McTernan" and is usually found in the Cavan-Leitrim area of Ireland.
Ternan or Terrenan (d. 431?), was Archbishop of the Picts. "According to his legend he went to Rome, where he spent seven years under the care of the pope, was appointed archbishop of the Picts, and returned to Scotland with the usual accompaniment of miraculous adventures. He died and was buried at Banchory on the river Dee, which was named from him Banchory Ternan. His day in the calendar is 12 June, and the years given for his death vary from 431 to 455. " 1
Early History of the Ternahan family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ternahan research. Another 40 words (3 lines of text) covering the year 1800 is included under the topic Early Ternahan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Ternahan Spelling Variations
A name was often recorded during the Middle Ages under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer because literacy was rare there was no real push to clearly define any of the languages found in the British Isles at that time. Variations found of the name Ternahan include Tiernan, Tierman, Ternan, Kiernan and others.
Early Notables of the Ternahan family
More information is included under the topic Early Ternahan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Ternahan family
A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Ternahan name: John Tierman settled in Philadelphia in 1802; John Tiernan settled in Philadelphia in 1845; also 1850; 1867; and 1880; Patrick Tiernan settled in Philadelphia in 1846.
