About the Naghten Surname

Ancestors listed as Naghten are often found as Naughton a generation earlier. The family name meaning is “Descendant of Neachtan (bright, pure)”, the same as for Naughton.

You may also find the name written Naughten and Naghton. Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists. Before spelling was fixed, Naughton was also written Naghten.

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Naughton surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon. For the full story, order the Naghten surname pack.