McDonough is an

Irish Irish may refer to: Common meanings * Someone or something of, from, or related to: ** Ireland, an island situated off the north-western coast of continental Europe ***Éire, Irish language name for the isle ** Northern Ireland, a constituent unit ...

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 Anglicisation is the process by which a place or person becomes influenced by English culture or British culture, or a process of cultural and/or linguistic change in which something non-English becomes English. It can also refer to the influenc ...

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, an ...

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 writt ...

or son of Donough. The name itself consists of elements meaning "brown (donn)" or

Donn In Irish mythology, Donn ("the dark one", from cel-x-proto, Dhuosnos) is an ancestor of the Gaels and is believed to have been a god of the dead. Donn is said to dwell in Tech Duinn (the "house of Donn" or "house of the dark one"), where the ...

“the dark one”, plus "battle (chatha)". Originally, two separate clans existed in Ireland, the first in

Connacht Connacht ( ; ga, Connachta or ), is one of the provinces of Ireland, in the west of Ireland. Until the ninth century it consisted of several independent major Gaelic kingdoms ( Uí Fiachrach, Uí Briúin, Uí Maine, Conmhaícne, and ...

, and these MacDonnchadha's were a branch of the

MacDermot Mac Diarmada (anglicised as MacDermot or McDermott), also spelled Mac Diarmata, is an Irish surname, and the surname of the ruling dynasty of Moylurg, a kingdom that existed in Connacht from the 10th to 16th centuries. The last ruling king was T ...

s, 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 t ...

, whose chiefs held the Castle of

Kanturk Kanturk () is a town in the north west of County Cork, Ireland. It is situated at the confluence of the Allua (Allow) and Dallow (Dalua) rivers, which stream further on as tributaries to the River Blackwater. It is about from Cork, Blarney and ...

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 Musk ...

, 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 (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 Canadians (french: Canadiens) are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Canadians, many (or all) ...

, 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 (1915-1995), member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame * Ann Patrice McDonough, 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: ) is an island in the North A ...

, (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 th ...

, 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 Bridget McDonough is the co-founder of Light Opera Works. References American musical theatre directors American theatre managers and producers Northwestern University alumni Year of birth missing (living people) Living people {{ ...

, 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 elect ...

, 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'Br ...

, 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 b ...

(1962–2012), American child actress *

Elizabeth MacDonough Elizabeth MacDonough (born February 16, 1966) is an American lawyer and the Parliamentarian of the United States Senate since 2012. She is the first woman to hold the position. Early life and education MacDonough grew up near Washington DC, grad ...

, 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, Irish politician * Gabe McDonough, Canadian record producer who is the vice president music director at Leo Burnett USA *

George Macdonogh Lieutenant-General Sir George Mark Watson Macdonogh (4 March 1865 – 10 July 1942) was a British Army general officer. After early service in the Royal Engineers he became a staff officer prior to the outbreak of the First World War. His main r ...

, British Army general officer. * Giles MacDonogh (born 1955), British writer, historian and translator *

Glen MacDonough Glen MacDonough (1870 – March 30, 1924) was an American writer, lyricist and librettist. He was the son of theater manager Thomas B. MacDonough and actress/author Laura Don. Glen MacDonough married Margaret Jefferson in 1896 in Buzzard's Bay, ...

(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 Emp ...

, 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-known ...

, Australian rock musician *

Harry Macdonough John Scantlebury Macdonald (May 30, 1871 – September 26, 1931) was a Canadian-born singer of Irish and Scottish descent, and recording executive. Under the pseudonym Harry Macdonough, he was one of the most prolific and popular tenors during ...

, Canadian singer and recording executive * Hubie McDonough, 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 Jake McDonough (born November 3, 1989) is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Jets in 2013. He played college football at Iowa State University. He was also ...

, American football defensive end *

James MacDonough James MacDonough (born April 3, 1970) is an American bass guitarist. He has played with heavy metal bands Iced Earth, Nevermore, and Megadeth. Career MacDonough was part of Iced Earth's line up from 1996–2000 and again from 2001–2004. W ...

(born 1970), American bass guitarist *

James McDonogh James John Murphy McDonogh (13 April 1871 – 26 January 1912) was an Irish first-class cricketer. McDonogh was born at Killarney in County Kerry in April 1871. His debut in first-class cricket came in New Zealand for the North Island aga ...

, 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 Wom ...

, 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 avo ...

, 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), Irish piper from County Galway * John McDonough (Savannah mayor), 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), American politician from Maryland * John T. McDonough, Irish born-American lawyer and politician * Kiki McDonough, British jewellery designer * Martin McDonogh (1860–1934), Irish politician * Marie McDonough (1917–2013), Australian cricketer * Mary Elizabeth McDonough, 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 De ...

, the 17th President of the United States *

Matthew McDonough Matthew McDonough (born March 12, 1969) is an American drummer best known as a member of the heavy metal band Mudvayne. He is the band's original drummer and has appeared and performed on every release by Mudvayne. He was also the original dr ...

, 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 Neal McDonough (born February 13, 1966) is an American actor. He is known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Lynn "Buck" Compton in the HBO miniseries '' Band of Brothers'' (2001), Deputy District Attorney David McNorris on ''Boomtown'' (2002–20 ...

, American actor * Pat McDonough, US Maryland politician *

Patrick MacDonogh Patrick MacDonogh (1902–1961) was an 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 father was h ...

, 20th-century Irish poet * Patrick McDonough (cyclist) (born 1961), American track cyclist * Patrick F. McDonough (fl. 1956–2001), Irish-American police officer, attorney, and politician * Paul McDonough (disambiguation), several people * Pete McDonough, San Francisco bail bondsman * Peter J. McDonough (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, American judge, served on the Utah Supreme Court from 1938 to 1966 * Roy McDonough, English football player and manager who holds the record for red cards in the English professional game * Ryan McDonough (disambiguation), several people *

Sean McDonough Sean McDonough (born May 13, 1962) is an American sportscaster, currently employed by ESPN and WEEI Red Sox Radio Network. Early life The son of ''Boston Globe'' sportswriter Will McDonough, McDonough graduated from the S. I. Newhouse Sch ...

, American television sportscaster * Sean Daniel (basketball) (born 1989), Israeli basketball player * Suzanne Clarke McDonough, American journalist, documentary filmmaker *

Thomas Macdonough Thomas Macdonough, Jr. (December 31, 1783 – November 10, 1825) was an early-19th-century Irish-American naval officer noted for his roles in the first Barbary War and the War of 1812. He was the son of a revolutionary officer, Thomas Macdonou ...

, 19th-century American naval officer *

Will McDonough William McDonough (July 6, 1935 – January 9, 2003) was an American sportswriter for ''The Boston Globe'' who also worked as an on-air football reporter for CBS and NBC. Biography Newspaper career The youngest of nine children of Irish immigran ...

, 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'' ...

, 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 (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 N ...

'', portrayed by

Jessica Biel Jessica Claire Timberlake (née Biel ; born March 3, 1982) is an American actress and model. She has received various accolades, including a Young Artist Award, and nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Biel b ...

. * Blane McDonough, a rich boy in the film ''

Pretty in Pink ''Pretty in Pink'' is a 1986 American teen romantic comedy-drama film about love and social cliques in American high schools in the 1980s. A cult classic, it is commonly identified as a "Brat Pack" film. It was directed by Howard Deutch, produc ...

'', portrayed by

Andrew McCarthy Andrew Thomas McCarthy (born November 29, 1962) is an American actor, travel writer, and television director. He is most known as a member of the Brat Pack, with roles in 1980s films such as ''St. Elmo's Fire'', ''Pretty in Pink'', and '' Less ...

. * Declan McDonough, spoiled rich kid and high school basketball star in the American science fiction television series ''

Kyle XY ''Kyle XY'' is an American science fiction television series produced by ABC Family. The central character is a teenage boy (Matt Dallas) who awakens naked in a forest outside Seattle, Washington, with no more knowledge or abilities than a newb ...

'', portrayed by Chris Olivero. * H.I. "Hi" McDunnough, portrayed by

Nicolas Cage Nicolas Kim Coppola (born January 7, 1964), known professionally as Nicolas Cage, is an American actor and film producer. Born into the Coppola family, he is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Gui ...

in the film '' Raising Arizona''. * Jefferson "Seaplane" McDonough, pilot in the film '' Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle'' and its

sequel A sequel is a work of literature, film, theatre, television, music or video game that continues the story of, or expands upon, some earlier work. In the common context of a narrative work of fiction, a sequel portrays events set in the same ...

, portrayed by

Nick Jonas Nicholas Jerry Jonas (born September 16, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter and actor. Jonas began acting on Broadway at the age of seven, and released his debut single in 2002; this caught the attention of Columbia Records, where Jonas ...

. * Detective Sergeant McDonough, police detective in the film ''

Criminally Insane The insanity defense, also known as the mental disorder defense, is an affirmative defense by excuse in a criminal case, arguing that the defendant is not responsible for their actions due to an episodic psychiatric disease at the time of the cr ...

'' 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