Questions for the Irish in Ireland please?

Question

When I was in Ireland I learned that my fathers name came into Ireland with the Vikings...but never learned how my moms name came...was brought in too or was it already there....the name is McGrath...can anyone tell me this answer?

Answer 1

"The name itself is thought to have been given to the descendants of Brian Boru's brother, Ahearne, in the form MacCraith, and meaning 'Son of grace (or prosperity)'"

"In Irish, Magh Rath could mean 'Sons of the ring fort on the plain', Mc Roth could mean 'Sons of the Sun, McGra could mean 'Sons of love', McGrath could mean 'Sons of grace' and Mac Craith might mean 'Sons of the weaver.'

Liam McGrath in his work 'Our Celtic Christian Heritage' thinks the chosen meaning was 'Sons of grace and prosperity.' From their start, they were bards active in poetry, writing of history and leadership."

You can get full information at the 'Clan McGrath Website" if you click on 'Origins' at their site below;

Answer 2

Mac or Mc means son, grath probably comes from the irish word for love, gra ( with a fada on the a like the french grave, pronounced graw.  Paul mcGrath is a famous soccer player and I seem to remember there is a monument to a very famous greyhound called Master McGrath!

Answer 3

Mc's and O's in Irish names usually mean 'The son of..'

.For example Sean Mcgrath would be Sean the son of Grath.

I would say that your mothers Name was probably around before the Vikings. You should check out a heritage website as most Irish names are associated with a region of the country.

Answer 4

How about google'n it.