Naghten, also written Naughton and O’Naghten, is a Gaelic name of the chieftains of Connacht.
Where does the Naghten name come from?
Naghten is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Ó Neachtain, “descendant of Neachtan” — an ancient personal name connected with water and with an old god of the same name, sometimes understood as “pure” or “clean.” It appears in several forms, including Naughton, Naghten and Norton in some districts.
The O’Naghtens in Ireland
The Ó Neachtain were a Connacht family, long established on the borders of counties Galway and Roscommon, near the Suck and the Shannon, where they held their own territory. As an old Gaelic name, Naghten is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Related Irish family names
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Frequently asked questions
Is Naghten an Irish surname?
Yes — Naghten, also Naughton, is a Gaelic Irish surname, from Ó Neachtain, a Connacht family of Galway and Roscommon.
What does Naghten mean?
It means “descendant of Neachtan,” an old name connected with water and purity.
Is there a Naghten family crest?
Browse our Naghten Irish family gifts to explore the available collection.