Surname O'madain - Meaning and Origin
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O'madain: What does the surname O'madain mean?
The surname O'Madain is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin from the Uí Mhaodhagáin clan indigenous to what is now County Roscommon in Ireland. The literal translation of the surname is "son of Madan," with Madan deriving from the Gaelic surname "Maedhán." The O'Madain surname is spelled differently in various contexts, including O'Madden, Madigan, and MacMadden.
The earliest known O’Madaín records are found in the twelfth century. At this time, the line of Mhadaghan chieftains of Brefney (i.e. modern counties of Leitrim and Roscommon) was centered in the area around modern-day Boyle. The progenitor of the O'Madaín line was Máedhóg who belonged to the senior line of the Ui Maolmhorda.
The vast majority of those bearing the O'Madain surname are found in County Roscommon as the essence of the clan remains there to this day. Throughout their history, the O'Madaín clan has had a reputation for being successful soldiers, legal professionals, and entrepreneurs, quite possibly passing down their talent from the prime chieftain of the Uí Mhaodhagáin.
The O'Madaín family name is not as common in Ireland today as it was centuries ago, although some members of the O'Madaín clan still live in County Roscommon. Those living in other parts of the world have taken the O'Madaín surname and continued their proud heritage, keeping alive the spirit of their ancient family.
Order DNA origin analysisO'madain: Where does the name O'madain come from?
The last name O'MADAIN is most commonly seen today in Ireland and in countries where Irish emigrants have settled. O'MADAIN is an Irish surname originating in County Clare, located on the west coast of Ireland. The name is linked to the old Irish name "O Mathghamhna" meaning "son of the bear". This name was likely derived from an old Irish chieftain named Mathghamhain who was the leader of the clan in this region during the 11th century. It is believed that this clan was among the first wave of settlers in the area.
The surname O'MADAIN has continued to be popular in Ireland, as well as other countries and regions of the United Kingdom. Today, it is seen throughout the British Isles, the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States in particular, O'MADAIN is commonly seen in major metropolitan areas in states such as California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Despite its modern popularity, the surname O'MADAIN remains largely associated with its Irish roots. This connection has meant that members of the O'MADAIN family have kept the name as a symbol of their ancestry and culture, and may upon occasion take part in activities such as St. Patrick's Day parades or hold Gaelic language classes in their communities.
Variations of the surname O'madain
O'Madaín is an Irish surname that has been in existence since at least the twelfth century. It is derived from the Gaelic phrase “O’ Maodhagain” which means “descendent of Maodhogain”. This name was commonly found in the areas of Counties Limerick and Tipperary, both in Ireland.
Variants of this Irish surname include O’Madagan, Madigan, Madagin, Madgin, Maddagin, Maddigan, Madadhan, and Madhain.
Spelling variants include MacMadden, O Madden, O Madcan, MacMadegin, O Maden, O Mataen, and Mac Madgyn.
The surname O’Madaín can also be found with different spellings that are phonetic alternatives, such as Madawn, Madaun, Madun, Madune, Madon, Madonne, and Madonne.
The surname is also found in Gaelic surnames,Latinized as Madan and Madanus.
Surnames of related origin include Moogan, Moaggan, Moakan, Moakan, and Moaken. Some of these surnames may be derived from Anglicised versions of O’Madaín.
Today, the surname O’Madaín is still found in areas of Ireland where it originated, as well as other countries where many Irish emigrated, such as the United States, Canada, Australia and Great Britain.
Famous people with the name O'madain
- Robert O'Madaín: Former Irish government minister and politician who served as Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs from 2007 to 2011.
- Steve O'Madaín: Irish professional road bicycle racer, who currently rides for UCI Continental team Tenax Pro Racing.
- Patrick O'Madaín: American film and television actor who is best known for his roles in the films The Blues Brothers and The Untouchables.
- Pádraig O'Madaín: Former Irish Gaelic footballer who played as a midfielder for the Galway senior team in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Jimmy O'Madaín: British-born American Actor known for his roles in films such as The Godfather Part III and Howard the Duck, as well as in television shows like Wings and Red Dwarf.
- Shane O'Madaín: Award-winning Irish documentary filmmaker and producer.
- Michael O'Madaín: Irish actor and playwright best known for his work in theater, television and film.
- Mark O'Madaín: Irish actor and filmmaker, and the younger brother of Michael and Shane.
- Siobhan O'Madaín: Irish actress known for her roles in TV programmes such as Redrock and in films such as Notes on a Scandal.
- Emma O'Madaín: Irish actress, best known for her roles in both theatre and television, including Doctor Who and Wild at Heart.