MCTERNAN
Also recorded as Mc Ternan, Mcternan
McTernan
McTernan is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Tighearnáin, meaning "son of Tighearnán". The name Tighearnán itself is derived from the Gaelic words tighearna meaning "lord" and án meaning "little" or "venerable".
The McTernan surname is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in counties Leitrim and Sligo. It is also present in Scotland, with notable concentrations in the Highland regions.
Individuals bearing the surname McTernan have often been associated with agriculture and land ownership, reflecting the historical ties of the name to the land-owning class. The name has also been linked to military service and leadership roles in various historical contexts.
Throughout history, the McTernan name has been subject to variations in spelling and pronunciation, with common alternatives including MacTernan and M'Tiernan.
In modern times, individuals with the McTernan surname can be found worldwide, having dispersed through migration and globalisation. The name continues to be a symbol of Scottish and Irish heritage and identity.
There are approximately 536 people named McTernan in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named McTernan.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Gerard
- Ian
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Victor
Female
- Angela
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Lisa
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.