McDonough is an Irish

surname In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community. Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name ...

Origins and variants

The surname is an Anglicized form of the

Gaelic Gaelic is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". As a noun it refers to the group of languages spoken by the Gaels, or to any one of the languages individually. Gaelic languages are spoken in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Ca ...

name "Mac Donnchadha", which means son of

Donnchadh Donnchadh () is a masculine given name common to the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages. It is composed of the elements ''donn'', meaning "brown" or "dark" from Donn a Gaelic God; and ''chadh'', meaning "chief" or "noble". The name is also written ...

or son of Donough. The name itself consists of elements meaning "brown (donn)" or Donn “the dark one”, plus "battle (chatha)". Originally, two separate clans existed in Ireland, the first in Connacht, and these MacDonnchadha's were a branch of the MacDermots, the 8th Century Kings of Connacht. The second clan in

Munster Munster ( gle, an Mhumhain or ) is one of the provinces of Ireland, in the south of Ireland. In early Ireland, the Kingdom of Munster was one of the kingdoms of Gaelic Ireland ruled by a "king of over-kings" ( ga, rí ruirech). Following the ...

, whose chiefs held the Castle of Kanturk in County Cork, and who were known as the bards of Duhallow, were a branch of the MacCarthys going by McDonough. The name is now rare in Cork, with some of the original name holders, it is believed, changing their name to

MacCarthy MacCarthy ( ga, Mac Cárthaigh), also spelled Macarthy, McCarthy or McCarty, is an Irish clan originating from Munster, an area they ruled during the Middle Ages. It was divided into several great branches; the MacCarthy Reagh, MacCarthy of Mu ...

, although some with the original name still remain in Munster. One explanation for the many spelling variations is that scribes and church officials frequently spelled the name as it sounded: an imprecise method at best. Understandably then, various spellings of the surname McDonough were found in the many archives researched including MacDonough, McDonogh, and many more.

Notable people with the surname

Adam McDonough Adam McDonough (born September 24, 1985) is an American retired mixed martial artist who competed in Bellator's Welterweight division. Mixed martial arts career Early career McDonough started his professional career in 2007. He fought mainly ...

(born 1985), American mixed martial artist * Aidan McDonough (born 1999), American ice hockey player *

Al McDonough James Allison McDonough (born June 6, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 237 games in the National Hockey League and 200 games in the World Hockey Association. McDonough was born in Hamilton, Ontario, but grew up ...

, Canadian ice hockey player *

Alexa McDonough Alexa Ann McDonough ( Shaw; August 11, 1944 – January 15, 2022) was a Canadian politician who became the first woman to lead a major, recognized political party in Nova Scotia, when she was elected the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party's (NSN ...

, Canadian politician *

Ann M. McDonough Ann M. McNaughton (1915-1995) was a United States Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 in Military Intelligence including counterintelligence roles. In 1988, she was admitted as a member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame, and she served as a Dis ...

(1915-1995), member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame *

Ann Patrice McDonough Ann Patrice McDonough (born May 29, 1985) is an American former competitive figure skater. She is the 2002 World Junior champion and the 2003 U.S. national pewter medalist. McDonough retired from competition in 2004. Personal life Ann Patric ...

, American figure skater *

Arthur Edward McDonogh Arthur Edward McDonogh (c.1810 – 26 October 1852) was a New Zealand policeman, police magistrate, militia officer and roading supervisor. He was born in Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an i ...

, (c. 1810 – 1852), New Zealand policeman, police magistrate, militia officer and roading supervisor. * Brendan McDonough, American soccer player *

Blair McDonough Blair McDonough (born 30 April 1981), is an Australian actor who is best known for playing the role of Stuart Parker in the Australian TV soap opera '' Neighbours''. He first shot to fame the age of 19 in 2001, when he finished runner-up in the ...

, Australian actor *

Bob McDonogh Bob McDonogh (March 5, 1900, San Francisco, California – December 10, 1945, Columbus, Ohio) was an American racecar driver. McDonogh made 38 starts in AAA Championship racing from 1924 through 1932. Most of McDonogh's career was during t ...

, American racecar driver *

Brian McDonough Brian McDonough has been described as a Family Physician with a focus on patient education. In addition to providing clinical care he employs audio, video and digital technology to provide helpful information for the general public. As a dual ...

, American physician and writer * Bridget McDonough, American businesswoman *

David McDonough David G. McDonough is a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 14th district, which includes portions of the town of Hempstead in Nassau County on Long Island. A Republican, McDonough was first elected through a special elec ...

, New York Assemblyman *

Darron McDonough Darron Karl McDonough (born 7 November 1962) is an English former footballer, most noted as a player for Oldham Athletic and Luton Town. Playing career Born in Antwerp but raised in Lancashire, McDonough joined his local side Oldham Athletic f ...

, English footballer *

Declan McDonogh Declan McDonogh (born 21 January 1980) in County Meath is an Irish jockey who competes in Flat racing. McDonogh rode his first winner at Leopardstown Racecourse in June 1995 and has worked for trainers Kevin Prendergast, John Oxx and Joseph O' ...

, Irish jockey who competes in Flat racing * Denis McDonough, US Secretary of Veterans Affairs under President Joe Biden; White House Chief of Staff, Deputy National Security Advisor and National Security Council Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama. *

Eileen McDonough Eileen McDonough (May 20, 1962 – March 13, 2012) was an American former child actress, best known for appearing on various television series including ''The Mary Tyler Moore Show'', '' Gunsmoke'', ''The Waltons'', and ''Apple's Way''. She was ...

(1962–2012), American child actress * Elizabeth MacDonough, Parliamentarian of the United States Senate *

Frank McDonough Frank McDonough is a British historian of the Third Reich and international history. Life Francis (Frank) Xavier McDonough was born on 17 April 1957 in Liverpool. He read modern History at Balliol College, Oxford, as a Senior Status Scholar. ...

, British historian of 20th-century Germany *

Fred McDonogh Frederick McDonogh (died 1 December 1955) was an Irish politician. A solicitor, he was elected to Dáil Éireann as a Cumann na nGaedheal Teachta Dála (TD) for the Galway Galway ( ; ga, Gaillimh, ) is a City status in Ireland, city in ...

, Irish politician *

Gabe McDonough Gabe McDonough is a music and branding professional and musician. He is currently Executive Producer at MAS - Music and Strategy and has previously lead the music departments of advertising agencies TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Leo Burnett and DDB Chicago. ...

, Canadian record producer who is the vice president music director at Leo Burnett USA * George Macdonogh, British Army general officer. * Giles MacDonogh (born 1955), British writer, historian and translator * Glen MacDonough (1870–1924), US American writer, lyricist and librettist *

Gordon L. McDonough Gordon Leo McDonough (January 2, 1895 – June 25, 1968) was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Californiafrom 1945 to 1963. Early life and career Born in Buffalo, New York, McDonough moved with his parents to Empo ...

, U.S. Representative from California *

Guy McDonough Guy Gillis McDonough (17 October 1955 – 26 June 1984) was an Australian rock musician best known for rhythm guitar and singer-songwriter with the iconic band Australian Crawl. He provided rhythm guitar and lead vocals on two of their well-know ...

, Australian rock musician *

Harry Macdonough John Scantlebury Macdonald (May 30, 1871 – September 26, 1931) was a Canadian Canadians (french: Canadiens) are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most ...

, Canadian singer and recording executive *

Hubie McDonough Hubert Boniface McDonough (born July 8, 1963) is an American former professional ice hockey center. He played in the National Hockey League between 1988 and 1993 with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, and San Jose Sharks. Playing career ...

, American ice hockey player * Jack McDonough, Australian rules footballer who played with South Melbourne and Fitzroy in the VFL during the early 1900s * Jake McDonough, American football defensive end * James MacDonough (born 1970), American bass guitarist * James McDonogh, Irish first-class cricketer *

Jenny McDonough Jenny McDonough (born 23 April 1981), also known as Jenny McAuley, is a former Ireland women's field hockey international. Between 2001 and 2009 she made 117 senior appearances for Ireland. She has also played for Belfast Harlequins in the Wome ...

, field hockey forward who plays for Ireland *

Jimmy McDonough Jimmy McDonough is a biographer and journalist. He is best known for his biographies of Russ Meyer, Andy Milligan, Tammy Wynette, Al Green, and Neil Young. He is noted by critics for his remarkably exhaustive accounts and for his tendency to avoi ...

, American journalist and biographer *

John McDonogh John McDonogh (December 29, 1779 – October 26, 1850) was an American entrepreneur whose adult life was spent in south Louisiana and later in Baltimore. He made a fortune in real estate and shipping, and as a slave owner, he supported the Ameri ...

(1779-1850), United States entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder and namesake of McDonoghville Louisiana * John McDonogh (hurler) (1941–2012), Irish hurler who played as full-back for the Limerick senior team *

John McDonough (piper) John "Mac an Asal" McDonough (died c. 1857) was an Irish piper. McDonough was a native of Annaghdown, County Galway but had travelled widely throughout Ireland, spending a great deal of time in Dublin (at one stage apparently entertaining e ...

, Irish piper from County Galway *

John McDonough (Savannah mayor) John Joseph McDonough (August 3, 1849 – November 26, 1926) was a politician and businessman from Georgia, United States. Background McDonough was born in 1849 in Augusta, Georgia, the son of an Irish-born immigrant. He received his education i ...

, politician and businessman from Georgia, US *

John McDonough (sports executive) John McDonough (born May 19, 1953) is an American sports executive who spent two decades with the Chicago Cubs. In 2007, he left the presidency of the Cubs to become president of the Chicago Blackhawks. On June 1, 2011, McDonough was promoted ...

(born 1953), former president of the Chicago Blackhawks ice hockey team * John E. McDonough (born 1953), professor of public health at the Harvard School of Public Health * John J. McDonough (Massachusetts politician), American politician who served as a member of the Boston School Committee from 1966 to 1968 and again from 1972 to 1982 * John J. McDonough (mayor), mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota *

John P. McDonough (politician) John P. McDonough (born July 7, 1950) is an American politician from Maryland. He served as Secretary of State of Maryland – a position appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate – from July 16, 2008 to January 21, ...

, American politician from Maryland *

John T. McDonough John Thomas McDonough (b. July 12, 1843 Birdhill, County Tipperary, Ireland – d. March 21, 1917 Washington D.C.) was an American lawyer and politician. Early life He came with his parents to the United States in 1850, and they settled in ...

, Irish born-American lawyer and politician * Kiki McDonough, British jewellery designer *

Martin McDonogh Martin McDonogh (1858 – 24 November 1934) was an Irish politician. Early life Born in Gorumna, Connemara, to Thomas McDonogh and Honoria Hernon, McDonogh was the second son of six children who survived to adulthood. He was a cousin of the wri ...

(1860–1934), Irish politician *

Marie McDonough Marie McDonough (15 November 1917 – 18 October 2013) was an Australian cricketer. McDonough played one Test match for the Australia national women's cricket team, against England women at Perth in March 1958. McDonough played six seasons for ...

(1917–2013), Australian cricketer *

Mary Elizabeth McDonough Mary Elizabeth McDonough (born May 4, 1961), sometimes credited as Mary Beth McDonough, is an American actress and writer, best known for her role as Erin Walton on ''The Waltons'' from 1972 to 1981. Early life McDonough was born May 4, 1961 in ...

, American actress * Mary ("Polly") McDonough (1783–1856), mother of

Andrew Johnson Andrew Johnson (December 29, 1808July 31, 1875) was the 17th president of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. He assumed the presidency as he was vice president at the time of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Johnson was a Dem ...

, the 17th President of the United States * Matthew McDonough, drummer for American heavy metal band Mudvayne *

Megon McDonough Megon McDonough (formerly Megan McDonough) is an American folk/cabaret singer-songwriter and actress, from Crystal Lake, Illinois. After her early solo recording career brought national attention, she became a founding member of Four Bitchin' ...

, American folk/cabaret singer/songwriter * Neal McDonough, American actor * Pat McDonough, US Maryland politician *

Patrick MacDonogh Patrick MacDonogh (1902–1961) was an Irish poetry, Irish poet who published five books of poetry in his lifetime. His work is included in the Faber Book of Irish Verse. Biography Patrick MacDonogh was born in Dublin, one of five children. His ...

, 20th-century Irish poet *

Patrick McDonough (cyclist) Patrick McDonough (born July 22, 1961) is a retired track cyclist from the United States. He represented his native country of the United States at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, where he won the silver medal in the men's 4. ...

(born 1961), American track cyclist *

Patrick F. McDonough Patrick F. McDonough (died June 20, 2001 in Plymouth, New Hampshire) was a Connemara, Ireland-born American police officer, attorney, and politician who served as a member of the Boston City Council from 1956–64, 1966–70, and 1972–82. He wa ...

(fl. 1956–2001), Irish-American police officer, attorney, and politician *

Paul McDonough (disambiguation) Paul McDonough may refer to: * Paul McDonough (American football) (1916–1960), American football player * Paul McDonough (photographer) (born 1941), American photographer {{Human name disambiguation, McDonough, Paul ...

, several people *

Pete McDonough Peter P. McDonough (18728 July 1947) was a crime boss, bail bondsman, and saloon owner in San Francisco, in partnership with his brother Tom. The McDonough brothers were a wealthy and influential force in San Francisco, dominating much of the unde ...

, San Francisco bail bondsman *

Peter J. McDonough Peter J. McDonough (August 24, 1925 – August 28, 1998) was an American Republican Party politician from New Jersey, who served in both houses of the New Jersey Legislature. Biography McDonough was born in Plainfield, where he was a lifelong res ...

(1925–1998), American Republican Party politician from New Jersey *

R. C. McDonough Russell Charles "R. C." McDonough (December 7, 1924 – April 3, 2018) was a justice of the Montana Supreme Court from 1987 to 1993. Early life and career Born in Glendive, Montana, McDonough enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1942, ...

(1924–2018), Justice of the Montana Supreme Court *

Roger I. McDonough Roger I. McDonough (September 29, 1892 – November 25, 1966) was an American judge. He presided over Utah's Third Judicial District Court for ten years. Then in 1938 he was elected to the Utah Supreme Court, where he went on to serve as chief ju ...

, American judge, served on the Utah Supreme Court from 1938 to 1966 *

Roy McDonough Roy McDonough (born 16 October 1958) is an English former professional football player and manager in the English Football League. Playing career Roy McDonough was born in Solihull, he was one of four brothers and a twin to Gaz McDonough. He ...

, English football player and manager who holds the record for red cards in the English professional game *

Ryan McDonough (disambiguation) Ryan McDonough may refer to: *Ryan McDonough (ice hockey) (born 1988), Canadian ice hockey player *Ryan McDonough (NBA executive) Ryan Michael McDonough (born November 20, 1980) is the former general manager of the Phoenix Suns of the National Ba ...

, several people * Sean McDonough, American television sportscaster *

Sean Daniel (basketball) Sean Mcdonough Daniel (שון דניאל; born May 4, 1989) is an Israeli former professional basketball player. He played the small forward position. He was named the 2012 Israeli Basketball Premier League Most Improved Player. Biography Daniel ...

(born 1989), Israeli basketball player * Suzanne Clarke McDonough, American journalist, documentary filmmaker * Thomas Macdonough, 19th-century American naval officer * Will McDonough, American sportswriter for the ''Boston Globe'' *

William McDonough William Andrews McDonough is an American architect, designer, and author. McDonough is founding principal of William McDonough + Partners, co-founder of McDonough MBDC, and co-author of ''Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things'' a ...

, American architect and author *

William Joseph McDonough William Joseph McDonough (April 21, 1934 – January 22, 2018) was a former vice chairman and special advisor to the chairman at Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc., responsible for assisting senior management in the company's business development efforts ...

, Federal Reserve Bank of New York chairman

Given name

* Macdonough Craven, (1858–1919), American naval officer, engineer, and politician *

Tunis Augustus Macdonough Craven Tunis Augustus Macdonough Craven (11 January 1813 – 5 August 1864) was an officer in the United States Navy. His career included service in the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. Early life Tunis Augustus Macdonough Craven was b ...

(1813–1864), officer in the United States Navy

Fictional characters

* Alex McDonough, lawyer in the film ''

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry ''I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry'' (also simply known as ''Chuck & Larry'') is a 2007 American buddy comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan. It stars Adam Sandler and Kevin James as the title characters Chuck and Larry, respectively, two New Yo ...

'', portrayed by Jessica Biel. * Blane McDonough, a rich boy in the film '' Pretty in Pink'', portrayed by Andrew McCarthy. * Declan McDonough, spoiled rich kid and high school basketball star in the American science fiction television series '' Kyle XY'', portrayed by Chris Olivero. * H.I. "Hi" McDunnough, portrayed by Nicolas Cage in the film '' Raising Arizona''. * Jefferson "Seaplane" McDonough, pilot in the film '' Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle'' and its sequel, portrayed by Nick Jonas. * Detective Sergeant McDonough, police detective in the film '' Criminally Insane'' portrayed by George Buck Flower. * Detective McDonough, police detective in the film ''

Devil's Knot ''Devil's Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three'' is a 2002 true crime book by Mara Leveritt, about the 1993 murders of three eight-year-old children and the subsequent trials of three teenagers charged with and convicted of the crimes ...

'', portrayed by Brian Howe.

References

{{surname Surnames of Irish origin