MCHUGH

McHugh

McHugh is a common surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Aodha, meaning 'son of Aodh', which was a popular personal name in Ireland, meaning 'fire'. The McHugh clan is primarily associated with the province of Connacht in Ireland.

Origins

The McHugh surname is believed to have originated in County Donegal in the north-west of Ireland. The progenitor of the McHugh clan is thought to be Aodh (Hugh), an Irish chief in the 12th century. The name gradually spread throughout Ireland, particularly in areas with a strong Gaelic influence.

Migration

During the Irish diaspora in the 19th and 20th centuries, many McHugh families emigrated from Ireland to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. As a result, the McHugh surname can be found among the Irish diaspora communities in these countries.

Notable Individuals

• John McHugh: An American politician who served as the Secretary of the Army in the United States from 2009 to 2015.
• Michael McHugh: A former Justice of the High Court of Australia, known for his significant contributions to Australian law.
• Cathy McHugh: A British actress known for her roles in various theatre productions and television shows.

The McHugh surname continues to be a prominent name both in Ireland and in countries with Irish immigrant communities, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Gaelic culture and heritage.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

• Anthony
• David
• James
• John
• Michael
• Patrick
• Paul
• Peter
• Stephen
• Thomas

Female

• Anne
• Catherine
• Elizabeth
• Helen
• Kathleen
• Margaret
• Mary
• Patricia
• Sarah
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.