Teague is an Irish surname, being the Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Taidhg, meaning "descendant of Tadhg". The original Gaelic name was possibly Ó Taidhg or Mac Thaidhg, both arising from the personal name Tadhg, which derives from the Old Irish word for "poet". The name is thus a patronymic, indicating descent from an ancestor named Tadhg. Etymology and History The root name Tadhg has deep historical roots, being borne by an 11th-century king of Connacht, Tadhg mac Cathal Ua Conchobair, and several other medieval Irish kings and chieftains. According to Irish mythology, Tadhg was the grandfather of the legendary hero Fionn mac Cumhaill. The name's Gaelic origin is shared by other surnames such as Ó Taidhg and Mac Thaidhg, as well as Anglicized forms like Tighe and the Scottish variants McCaig and MacThaoig. Notable Bearers and Distribution The surname Teague is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in counties where the Ó Taidhg sept originated. The name has also spread to the United States and other English-speaking countries through Irish emigration. Although specific notable bearers are not documented in the available sources, the name appears in historical records of Irish Anglicization. Many Irish surnames starting with "T" ending in "-ague" or "-eague" follow this pattern of phonetic transformation from original Gaelic. Cultural Significance The transition from Ó Taidhg to Teague reflects the linguistic adaptation during the era of English dominance in Ireland, when many Gaelic surnames were systematically anglicized for official records. The underlying Gaelic element, Tadhg, remains a strong cultural symbol—associated with both historical kingship and the ancient poetic tradition of the fili (seers/poets). Through the chain of roots leading to Fionn (meaning "white, blessed" or "fair-haired"), the name connects indirectly to the rich mythological cycles of the Fianna. Key facts:Meaning: descendant of Tadhg (poet)Cultural origin: Irish (Surname)Type: Anglicized patronymic from GaelicUsage regions: primarily Ireland, also found in Scotland (as McCaig) and the Irish diaspora