Gough 2 is an Irish surname that represents the Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic Mag Eochadha, meaning "son of Eochaidh". The root name Eochaidh derives from the Old Irish Eochaid, which itself stems from the element ech meaning "horse". Thus, Eochaidh translates to "horseman", a name borne by numerous historical and legendary Irish kings, connecting the surname directly to Ireland's early medieval heritage.Etymology and Historical ContextThe surname Gough originates from the Gaelic patronymic system, where prefixes like Mac (son) or Mag (used before a vowel or f) indicated descent. Mag Eochadha therefore denotes "son of Eochaidh", reflecting a lineage tied to the ancient Eochaidh clan. During the Anglicization of Irish names in the 17th to 19th centuries, Mag Eochadha was phonetically anglicized as Gough, simplifying the spelling for English record-keepers. The variant McGough represents a direct Anglicization using the Mc contraction of Mac.Cultural SignificanceThe root name Eochaidh appears prominently in Irish mythology and history. Notable figures include Eochaidh Feidlech, a legendary High King of Ireland, and Eochaidh mac Néill, a 5th-century king of the Uí Néill dynasty. The association with horsemanship reflects the importance of horses in ancient Irish society, both in warfare and as status symbols. The surname Gough is relatively rare today but retains strong ties to County Cork and other parts of Munster, where Mag Eochadha lineages were historically concentrated.Variants and Related NamesBeyond Gough, related forms include Mag Eochadha (original Gaelic) and McGough (alternative Anglicization). These variants illustrate the flexibility of Irish naming patterns under English influence, where multiple Anglicized forms could derive from the same Gaelic original.Meaning: "Son of Eochaidh" (horseman)Origin: Irish GaelicType: Patronymic surnameUsage: Ireland (especially Munster), with diaspora in English-speaking countries