Mahoney surname meaning

Mahoney is an Irish surname of Munster, an Anglicization of Gaelic Ó Mathghamhna, “descendant of Mathghamhain.” The byname literally means “good calf,” a kenning for “bear.” O'Mahony and Mahony are standard variants; two historically distinct O'Mahony families are noted in Cork and northeast Ulster. In Ulster the same Gaelic name was sometimes Anglicized McMahon by analogy with Mac Mathghamhna. Parent’s name is high confidence: the surname is a classic Irish patronymic from a personal byname, not a place or occupation.