Tigheranach is now generally anglicized as Tierney and Tighearnan as Tiernan.
According to a number of sources these two given names have been interchanged in
various areas of Ireland to designate the same individual.
There was a famous champion of the Southern Ui Neill, Tighearnach, lord of
Loch Gabhar, in Deisceart Breagh, present day County Meath, who is mentioned in
various annal entries around 846-848 AD.
The "Annals of Tighearnach" were written at the end of the 11th century/beginning
of 12th century at Clonmacnoise. Tighearnach was the superior at
Clonmacnoise (1088) not the author.
One of the most famous people to have a given name based on Tighearna was Tighearnan Ua Ruairc (Tiernan
O'Rourke), king of Breifne who died in 1172. He is mentioned frequently in
the Annals of the Four Masters, Annals of Ulster, and Annals of Connaught.
As with all Gaelic names translated to English there have been a variety of
versions throughout history.
Tigernach, Tighearnach,
Tierney, Tierny, Tiernay, Tirney, Tirny, Tearnie, Tearney, Tyernie and Tigernan,
Tighearnan, Tiernan, Tirnan, and Ternan are just a few examples.
