How common is the McGovern surname?

There are approximately 35,000 people with the surname McGovern in the United States.

Are there McGovern soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 486 soldiers with the McGovern surname appear in Civil War records.

McGovern

Q: What does the surname McGovern mean?

The surname McGovern means "Descendant of Gobhairn, a personal name possibly meaning 'rough' or 'coarse'.". It is of Irish origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Gobhairn, a personal name possibly meaning 'rough' or 'coarse'.

Etymology

The 'Mc' prefix means 'son of' in Irish. 'Govern' derives from the Irish personal name Gobhairn, which may relate to 'gobha' (smith) or 'garbh' (rough) in Gaelic. The surname is associated with Ulster and Connacht regions.

About the McGovern Surname

A moderately common Irish and Scottish patronymic surname with medieval roots. The name has substantial presence in both the British Isles and the diaspora.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 35,000 bearers in the United States #652 most common surname

Rare Common

Found throughout Ireland and Scotland, with significant populations in North America, Australia, and other English-speaking countries.

McGovern Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the McGovern Surname

Francis E. McGovern

Major

Quick Facts

Origin: Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 15th century
Estimated Bearers: 35,000

War Records

486 soldiers with the McGovern surname found in Civil War records.

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