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McMahon Name History

McMahon Irish Coat of arms

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McMahon or MacMahon is an Irish surname, from the old Irish MacMathghamha and the modern Irish MacMathúna. Two separate septs arose in Ireland with the surname McMahon.

Kingdom of Oriel

The MacMahons of Oriel originated in the province of Ulster, in County Monaghan. The McMahons rose to power in 1250 AD, in the Kingdom of Oriel, which roughly evolved into the present day County Monaghan. They were chieftains of the territory for nearly 400 years.

Kingdom of Thomond

The MacMahons of Thomond originated in the province of Munster, in County Clare, and descend from the founder of the O'Brien dynasty, Brian Boru, through his son Teige, d. 1023, his son Turlough, d. 1086, his son Murtagh More, d. 1119, and his son Mahone 'a quo MacMahons of Corcabaskin' d. 1129. They became lords of the Corca Bhaschind or Corcavaskin area of south-west Clare which comprised the baronies of Moyarta and Clonderlaw, displacing the local O'Donnells and O'Baiscinn.

Motto of the McMahons

The motto of the Thomond sept of the McMahons is, "Sic Nos Sic Sacra Tuemur," which means, "Thus We Defend Our Sacred Rights."

Variant Spellings of the Irish surname McMahon include MacMahon, MacMann, MacMahan, MacMahon, Mahon, Maghan, Mann, and Maughan, among others.

Learn more about the McMahon family name

For more information about the McMahon, see the Framed Irish Family Name History, (#1760).

The Irish Rose offers many McMahon coat of arms products, from clothing to glassware to framed coat of arms heirlooms. Please visit the Irish Coat of Arms page.

Is there a McMahon Pub in Ireland?

There is definitely a pub in Ireland that bears the McMahon name. 

If you can't visit in person, our personalized pub gifts are the next best thing!

Notable people named McMahon

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