Sept -A branch of a family, especially one in which all members are believed to have descended from a single ancestor.
Two distinct families arose in Ireland with the surname McMahon, one in the Kingdom of Oriel in the province of Ulster, around modern County Monaghan; the second in Thomond, in the province of Munster, in modern County Clare. Both descend from Irish rulers who took versions of the title Mathghamhna, which means cub of the Divine Bear. The name McMahon is a modern English spelling of Mac Mathghamhna, son of the cub of the Divine Bear. The details of history regarding each sept will be left to the sites listed, which are devoted to each sept. The purpose of this page is to raise awareness of the important difference between them. To which sept do you belong? Each McMahon must find the answer to that question within her or his own lineage. An index to Clan McMahon sites: |
