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Mc Donagh Surname Translation

  • 27-06-2012 12:40pm
    #1
    cmcd2526
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭


    Hi

    I am wondering what the correct translation for the "Mc Donagh" surname is.

    I have been told "Mac Donnachadha" is the correct translation but I have also been told that it is the male translation, where I am looking for the female translation.

    Some say to put Ní in front is that right?

    Id apprectiate if anyone could help.

    Thanks
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    Insect Overlord
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,908 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    Nic Dhonncha is what you're looking for, I think.


  • #3
    cmcd2526
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭cmcd2526


    Insect Overlord wrote: »
    Nic Dhonncha is what you're looking for, I think.

    and you would pronounce that .... knee gunn igg........ ya?


  • #4
    Insect Overlord
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,908 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    "Nick Gunn-uck-ah" would be how I'd pronounce it myself.


  • #5
    Gael
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,286 ✭✭✭Gael


    cmcd2526 wrote: »
    Hi

    I am wondering what the correct translation for the "Mc Donagh" surname is.

    I have been told "Mac Donnachadha" is the correct translation but I have also been told that it is the male translation, where I am looking for the female translation.

    Some say to put Ní in front is that right?

    Id apprectiate if anyone could help.

    Thanks

    Just adding to what Insect Overlord has already said; Ó becomes Ní in the unmarried female version, and Mac becomes Nic and the word following will generally (though not always) take a séimhiú ('h' after the initial consanant). So if McDonagh is your maiden name, the Irish female version would be, as already stated, Nic Dhonncha.

    But that's only if it's your maiden name and not your married name. It would be Mhic Dhonncha if it's your married name.

    There are two forms of spelling of this name, which are the traditional and modern form. Nic Dhonnchadha is the traditional and Nic Dhonncha is the modern one. Both are correct and acceptable in common usage, though the modern one is more reflective of the modern pronunciation of the language (i.e. no silent letters). Which one you choose to use is a matter of personal taste really.

    I agree with IO's recommended pronunciation of the name.

    If you wish to do anymore research on this yourself, I recommend An Sloinnteoir Gaeilge agus an tAinmneoir by Muiris Ó Droighneáin and The Surnames of Ireland by Edward MacLysaght, both of which can be purchased online.


  • #6
    Rhedyn
    Registered Users Posts: 54 ✭✭Rhedyn


    Gael wrote: »
    There are two forms of spelling of this name, which are the traditional and modern form. Nic Dhonnchadha is the traditional and Nic Dhonncha is the modern one. Both are correct and acceptable in common usage.

    I agree. But they both have the unwritten middle "a" sound, I think it is called a "helping vowel", like in the name Sorcha.


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