McGovern (name)


The surname McGovern, is of Irish origin and is found predominantly in the counties of Cavan, Fermanagh and Leitrim.
The Irish name is Mag Samhradháin, meaning the Son of Samhradhán, and the clan or sept takes its name from one Samhradhán who lived c. 1100 AD descended from 7th-century Eochaidh, a descendant of Brión mac Echach Muigmedóin. Eochaidh gave his name to Teallach Eochaid, modern day Tullyhaw in Cavan. This was long the territory of the McGoverns. Their strongholds were at Ballymagauran, Bawnboy, Coologe and Lissanover in Cavan.
There are many variations found in the spelling of the name, all of which are attempts at a phonetic spelling of the Gaelic Mag Samhradháin. The Mag part can be found as Mag, Meg, Mac, Mau, Mec, Mc, Ma or M'. The Samhradháin part can be found as Samradhan, Shamhradhan, Shamhraghan, Shamradhan, Goveran, Govern, Govran, Gawran, Gawrain, Gawrene, Gawryne, Gauran, Gaurin, Gaurn, Gaurien, Gaurayn, Gaveran, Gaheran, Gahran, Gowran, Gouran, Gurn, Gurren, Guran, Guarayn.

Chiefs of the Clan

The following is a provisional list of the chiefs of the McGovern Clan, Barons or Lords of Tullyhaw.

Pedigree of McGovern Chiefs

Samhradhán
Muireadhach
Giolla na Naomh
Giolla Iosa
Giolla na Naomh
Donnchadh Cime = May Mor O’Rourke
Brian Breaghach = Maoilmheadha Mac Kiernan
Tomas = Nualaidh Maguire
Fearghal
Tomas na Feasoige
Tomas Og
Maghnus
Tomas
Brian
Feidhlimidh
Brian
Cathal