Mahone
An Irish surname most likely connected with a Gaelic word for “bear.”
The #8,369 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 78,045 Americans shares it.
Etymology
This name is generally treated as Irish and Gaelic in origin. Harrison gives it as linked to a Gaelic word meaning “bear,” suggesting an old descriptive or nickname-based source rather than an occupation. The form may also reflect later spelling adaptation in English records.
History
The surname is found in Irish contexts and appears in anglicized forms such as Mahon and Mahone. Historical spelling was not fixed, so the same family line could appear under several close variants in older records. The name is comparatively uncommon in the United States today.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In older Gaelic naming, animal nicknames were often used to suggest strength, courage, or character rather than a literal association with the animal itself.
From the historical record
“MAHON I (Celt.) the Bear [Ir. and Gael. MAHONE J tnathghamhuin] MAH8Nr}f°'-°''^^'^''"«y''i-^- MAIDMAN (Eng.) i Meadow-Man lO.E.mckd mead(ow + mantt] 2 confused with the succeeding name. MAIDMENT (Teut.) Power - Protection [O.Teut. Madmunt, Medmund, etc. —”
— Surnames of the United Kingdom: a concise etymological dictionary (2 vols in 1)