How common is the McGahan surname?

There are approximately 3,000 people with the surname McGahan in the United States.

Are there McGahan soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 47 soldiers with the McGahan surname appear in Civil War records.

McGahan

Q: What does the surname McGahan mean?

The surname McGahan means "Descendant of Athan or Eachan, personal names of Gaelic origin.". It is of Irish origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Athan or Eachan, personal names of Gaelic origin.

Etymology

The 'Mc' prefix means 'son of' in Irish. 'Gahan' derives from the Irish personal name Eachan or Athan, possibly related to 'each' (horse) in Gaelic. The surname is associated with Connacht and Ulster regions.

About the McGahan Surname

An Irish patronymic surname with medieval roots in northern and western Ireland. The name reflects Gaelic personal naming traditions.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 3,000 bearers in the United States #2,235 most common surname

Rare Common

Concentrated in Ireland, particularly in Connacht and Ulster, with diaspora communities in North America.

McGahan Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the McGahan Surname

Paul McGahan

Quick Facts

Origin: Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 16th century
Estimated Bearers: 3,000

War Records

47 soldiers with the McGahan surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →