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GAHAN Family History
Recorded in many spelling forms including Gaughan, Gavan, Gavaghan, Gavahan, Gahan, O' Geehan, MacGeehan, McGeehan, and McGahan, this notable surname is Irish. Originally it was exclusive to the province of Connacht, but is now quite popular in parts of Ulster. The derivation is from the pre 10th century Old Gaelic "O'Gaibhtheachain", meaning the descendant of Gaibhtheachan, a male give name meaning fierce or dangerous! Traditionally, Irish family names are taken from the first head of the tribe, who was usually an illustrious warrior, which was clearly the case here. The first recorded spelling of this family name as O'Gaughan was in the ancient population group of Ui Fiachrach, located in north Mayo and Sligo, where they possessed territory in the Crossmolina area of County Mayo, whilst it is as Gahan in East Leinster, Gavahan or Gavaghan in County Roscommon, McGeehan and Mageen in County Donegal, and McGahan in County Louth...Who have we missed?
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Patrick Gahan was born about 1825. He was tried in Dublin for theft of blankets and a sack and sentenced to seven years transportation. He arrived in Australia in 1840, was granted a Ticket of Leave in 1845. In 1853 he married a young widow with one son. They had nine children.The name changed over the years to Gann.
Hi my name is Kelly Gahan I live in a place called rochfortbridge westmeath I'm 24 years old My family is well known in tyrrellspass westmeath My grand father my mother's father was born in tyrrellspass and moved to rochfortbridge with his wife My grandparents have both since passed away and I would love to know a little more about my surname and where it came from and to see if I'm related to many people. Thor, tyrrellspass & rochfortbridge are all places Ive been told about.. But please I'd love to know if we are related please let me know
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