The surname 'McKirahan' is a relatively rare surname with roots in both the United States and Canada. According to data, the surname has an incidence of 174 in the United States and only 1 incidence in Canada. This data provides interesting insights into the distribution and history of the 'McKirahan' surname.
United States
In the United States, the 'McKirahan' surname is found in various regions across the country. It is most common in states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. The surname likely has Scottish or Irish origins, as the prefix 'Mc' often indicates a surname of Scottish or Irish heritage. The spelling of 'McKirahan' suggests a possible variation of the surname 'McKerran' or 'McKieran'.
Ohio
Ohio is one of the states with a significant incidence of the 'McKirahan' surname. The presence of the surname in Ohio is likely due to immigration patterns of Scottish and Irish individuals to the region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Scottish and Irish immigrants settled in Ohio and other Midwestern states, bringing their surnames with them.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is another state where the 'McKirahan' surname is prevalent. The state has a long history of immigration from Scotland and Ireland, particularly in cities such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The surname 'McKirahan' may have been anglicized from a Gaelic or Celtic original, reflecting the linguistic and cultural heritage of the immigrants who brought the surname to Pennsylvania.
Illinois
Illinois is also a state where the 'McKirahan' surname has a notable presence. The surname may have been passed down through generations of Scottish or Irish American families who settled in Illinois. The name could have undergone various phonetic changes over time, leading to the current spelling of 'McKirahan'.
Canada
Although less common in Canada than in the United States, the 'McKirahan' surname still has a presence in the country. The incidence of the surname in Canada indicates that there may be a small number of individuals with Scottish or Irish heritage who carry the 'McKirahan' surname.
It is possible that the presence of the 'McKirahan' surname in Canada is due to immigration from the United Kingdom, particularly from Scotland and Ireland. The surname may have been brought to Canada by immigrants seeking new opportunities or fleeing economic hardship in their home countries.
Overall, the 'McKirahan' surname is a unique and relatively uncommon surname with roots in both the United States and Canada. The data on the incidence of the surname provides valuable information on the distribution and history of the name, shedding light on the cultural and linguistic heritage of individuals who bear the 'McKirahan' surname.