Mc prefix (excuse my ignorance)

[hillsandmoors]

Hello, I realise that Mc and Mac prefixes usually mean 'son of' but I've been researching the name McLoughry (various spellings) and noticed that many people with this surname came from Ireland, particularly county Longford which happens to be near 'Lough Ree'. Is it possible then that the Mc prefix can mean 'of a particular region' rather than refering to a father's name? Just curious. Perhaps the name originated there.

Any thoughts would be great,

Hillsandmoors

[annclare]

The is an explanation of the origins of the surname at this site http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/surname/index.cfm?fuseaction=Go.&UserID=

annclare