Surname Naghten - Meaning and Origin

Naghten: What does the surname Naghten mean?

Naghten is an Irish surname which originates from the Gaelic name Mac Neachtain, meaning "son of Neachtan". The prefix "Mac" typically suggests "son of," thereby indicating a patronymic origin of the surname. Neachtan is an old Irish name based on the word “necht,” which means “pure” or “clear.” So, in essence, Naghten could be interpreted as "descendant of the pure or clear one". The name is fairly rare and most commonly found in areas of Irish heritage. It is important to note that the spelling of Irish surnames has changed over time, often Anglicised for ease of pronunciation, so there are many different variations of the original name, including Naughton, MacNaghten, and O'Naghten, among others. The family associated with this name is believed to have a long history, potentially dating back to early Celtic tribes in Ireland.

Naghten: Where does the name Naghten come from?

The surname Naghten is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Neachtain" which means "son of Neachtan". The name Neachtan signifies "pure" or "clear." Historically, the Naghtens were a significant family in County Roscommon, and a townland there still carries their name.

Today, due to widespread Irish diaspora, the surname can be found around the world, particularly in countries where the Irish emigrated in substantial numbers, such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, Ireland remains the region where the surname Naghten is most common. Another variant of the name, Naughten, is also prevalent in these areas. Despite this spread, the Naghten surname is rare, making it less common than many other Irish surnames. Overall, this surname symbolizes a strong connection with Irish ancestry and heritage.

Variations of the surname Naghten

The surname Naghten is of Irish origin and is typically associated with a number of similar names or spelling variations. Variants and spellings include: Naughton, MacNaughton, McNaughton, O'Naughton, Noughton, Naughten, Noghton, and Noughten.

It is important to note that different spellings may have arisen due to factors like phonetic pronunciation or regional dialects. Variation of spelling was also a common occurrence due to a general lack of standardized spelling rules in earlier centuries. So, you may also find names that have been anglicized, or slightly altered from the original to make them easier to pronounce or spell in English such as Nachtin or Nachton.

The names MacNaughton and McNaughton denote the historical familial relationship, with 'Mac' or 'Mc' indicating 'Son of Naughton'.

Also bear in mind, the same surname may not always indicate that people are related. Surnames often derived from a profession, geographic location or a personal characteristic, so different families may have been given the same surname for different reasons. Therefore, it is possible for unrelated families to have similar or even identical surnames.

Famous people with the name Naghten

• Ryan Naghten: An American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Social Animals, TwoSentenceHorror, and the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives.
• Ben Naghten: An Irish actor known for his roles in such films as Love & Friendship and Byzantium.
• Seán Naghten: An Irish politician who served in the Dáil Éireann as Teachta Dála from 1992 to 2007 for the Labour Party.
• Seán Naghten-MacCarthy: An Irish politician who also served in the Dáil Éireann and was an Independent Teachta Dála from 1982 to 1982.
• Helen Naghten: An Irish journalist and broadcaster based in Dublin. She has written articles for The Irish Times and the Sunday Business Post, as well as hosting her own weekly radio show on Dublin's FM104.
• Aoife Naghten: An Irish singer-songwriter based in Dublin and one of Ireland's most acclaimed contemporary singers.
• Daniel Naghten: An Irish visual artist known for his figurative oil paintings which often focus on Irish and international characters, his work has been seen in the Royal Hibernian Academy and the National Gallery Of Ireland.
• Ezequiel Naghten: An Argentine-Irish pioneer in bioeconomy, he is the co-founder and CEO of the enterprise BioSeed, which is the first and only European Technology and Innovative Company to receive a Scientific Result from the European Commission.

Other surnames

Naghtan