McKiernan Clan


The surname McKiernan, is of Irish origin and is found predominantly in the county of Cavan where it originated.
The Irish name is Mág Tighearnán meaning the Son of Tighearnán and the clan or sept takes its name from one Tighearnán who lived c. 1100 AD. He was descended from the 8th-century Dúnchadh, a descendant of Brión mac Echach Muigmedóin. Dúnchadh gave his name to Teallach Dúnchadha, the modern day barony of Tullyhunco in County Cavan. Dúnchadh’s brother was Eochaidh from whom the neighbouring McGovern clan of Tullyhaw barony descend.
There are many variations found in the spelling of the name, all of which are attempts at a phonetic spelling of the Gaelic Mág Tighearnán. The Mág part can be found as Mag, Meg, Mac, Mec, Mc, Ma or M'. The Tighearnán part can be found as Tighearnán, Thighearnán, Cighearnán, McKiernan, McKernan, McKernon, McKernin, McKiernen, McKyernan, McTiernan, McTernan, MacKiernan, MacKernan, MacTiernan, MacTernan, Kiernan, Kernan, Tiernan etc.

Chiefs of the Clan

The following is a provisional list of the chiefs of the McKiernan Clan, Barons or Lords of Tullyhunco.