About Us - McMahon Family

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Pronunciation: [meh'meien] mick-MAN

The surname McMahon was first found in County Clare (Irish: An Clár) located on the west coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, where the MacMahons were lords of Corca Baisgin; and possessed the greater part of the baronies of Moyarta and Clonderlaw.

The Munster MacMahons formerly possessed the greater part of the Baronies of Moyarta and Clonderalaw, in the County Clare, in which county the predominant name now is McMahon."

Immediately after County Clare, McMahon can be traced to County Monaghan.   Our ancestors have also sometimes come from Dublin, Scotland and eventually emigrated elsewhere, to Europe or Australia.  There are also two or more separate septs of Mahon who originate in Ireland and may now be known as McMahon in the US or elsewhere.

There are some great efforts attempting to retrace our steps. One of the more notable is the McMahon Surname DNA Study where a group is attempting to trace their lineage back 500 year via DNA confirmation.

Motto: Sic Nos Sic Sacra Tuemur

Motto Translated: Thus we guard our sacred rights.

The Motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto.

Tartan or Plaid – Tartans originated in woven wool & kilts are almost always made having a tartan patterns.  Unlike Scottish tartans, Irish tartans are designed to represent the district or counties of Ireland.  Therefore, the McMahon Family Tartan would be the County Clare tartan plaid.