The original Gaelic versions of today's Irish names demonstrate a proud, ancient past. The original Gaelic form of the name Ternant is Mac Tighearnain, which is derived from the word tighearna, which means "lord."
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Early Origins of the Ternant family
The surname Ternant 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 Ternant family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ternant research. Another 40 words (3 lines of text) covering the year 1800 is included under the topic Early Ternant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Ternant Spelling Variations
Within the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname Ternant 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. Tiernan, Tierman, Ternan, Kiernan and others.
Early Notables of the Ternant family
More information is included under the topic Early Ternant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Ternant 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 Ternant: 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.
