Surname Naughten - Meaning and Origin

Naughten: What does the surname Naughten mean?

The surname Naughten is of Irish origin and was derived from the Gaelic name "Neachtain". The name appears to have several possible meanings. One interpretation suggests it could translate to "pure" or "clean". Another potential meaning is "descendant of the snow", derived from the Gaelic words 'sneachta', which means snow, and the patronymic prefix 'Mac' or 'O', which indicates lineage. This interpretation would suggest that bearers of the name belong to the descendants of someone known as 'the snow'. However, like many family names, the exact origins and meanings can be uncertain and convoluted due to the passage of time and transmission across generations and geographical locations.

Naughten: Where does the name Naughten come from?

The surname Naughten is of Irish origin. It is a variant of the name Ó hIonachtáin, which in English is often written as Naughton. The name is derived from the Gaelic word 'Ionacht', meaning 'purity' or 'innocence'. It originates from a sept (a kind of clan) that was part of the larger Ui Fiachrach Aidhne tribal grouping, located in the south of County Galway, Ireland.

The process of anglicization of Irish names during and after the time of British rule resulted in Naughten becoming a more common variation, specifically in the areas around Connacht and Roscommon.

Today, the surname Naughten is most common in its original homeland of Ireland, particularly in the regions of Connacht and Roscommon. It can also be found in countries where there was significant Irish immigration, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Despite this dispersion, the surname remains relatively rare compared to other Irish surnames.

Variations of the surname Naughten

The surname Naughten is of Irish origin and is found predominantly in Ireland. Variants of the surname Naughten include Naughton, Naughtan, Noghton, Noughton, Naghten, and Nauhgten. It may also be spelled as Nachtne or Noughten.

The surname Naughten (and its variants) originates from the old Gaelic surname O'Neachtain, derived from the word "necht," meaning "pure" or "clear." Over time, this name underwent many changes due to regional and dialect differences, as well as anglicization during the time of British rule in Ireland. The prefix 'O' in the surname indicates male descendant of Naughten.

In some instances, the surname could also be spelt as Norton for English speakers who found the original Irish spelling difficult to pronounce. Each variant of the Naughten surname has a unique spelling but shares the same roots.

Despite the many variations, each version of the surname preserves its Gaelic essence and carries with it the rich history of Irish surnames which often indicate ancestral occupations, characteristics, or locations.

Famous people with the name Naughten

• Denis Naughten: Irish politician, former Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
• Joe Naughton: Irish actor known for his roles in The Commitments, Angela's Ashes, and other films.
• Dervla Kirwan: Irish actress known for her work on films such as Ballykissangel.
• Ryan Naughton: American actor, known for his roles in films and television shows such as The Golden Girls and The Wonder Years.
• Ronan Naughton: Irish footballer who plays for Bray Wanderers.
• Mark Naughton: English actor, known for his roles in EastEnders, Holby City, and other shows.
• Daniel Naughton: Canadian singer-songwriter and musician.
• David Naughton: American actor, best known for his roles in An American Werewolf in London and Midnight Madness.
• Peter Naughton: Irish guitarist with the band Kid Karate.
• Patrick Naughton: American computer scientist who developed Java.

Other surnames

NaughtNaughton