[name] The surname McGovern is of Irish origin and is found predominantly in the counties of Cavan (among the fifteen most common names), Fermanagh and Leitrim. The Irish name is Mag Shamhráin and sept takes its name from one Samhradhán who lived c. 1100 AD descended from 8th-century Eochaidh, a descendant of Brión mac Echach Muigmedóin... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McGovern_(name)