Two important septs of the McLoughlins and their various namesakes flourished for centuries – in the province of Ulster and the ancient kingdom of Meath.
• That they both had in common, and their descendants scattered across the globe have today, is a pedigree that stretches back to one of Ireland's legendary heroes, the gloriously named Niall of the Nine Hostages.
• Name variations include: MacLochlainn (Gaelic), Ó Máoilsheáchlainn (Gaelic), O’Melaghlin (Gaelic), Lochlain, MacGloughlin, McGloughin, MacLaughlin, McLaughlin, MacLoughlin.
