Ternand History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Ternand

What does the name Ternand mean?

The original Gaelic versions of today's Irish names demonstrate a proud, ancient past. The original Gaelic form of the name Ternand is Mac Tighearnain, which is derived from the word tighearna, which means "lord."

Early Origins of the Ternand family

The surname Ternand 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 Ternand family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ternand research. Another 40 words (3 lines of text) covering the year 1800 is included under the topic Early Ternand History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ternand Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Ternand can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include Tiernan, Tierman, Ternan, Kiernan and others.

Early Notables of the Ternand family

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

Migration of the Ternand family

Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Ternand to North America: 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.

Contemporary Notables of the name Ternand (post 1700) +

Charlotte Ternand, writer

Sources +

Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print