Midheach
MIDHEACH—X—Miache, Meagh, Miagh, Myagh, Meade; Irish 'Midheach' (i.e., the Meathman, native of, or in some way connected with, Meath). The Meades were merchant families who settled at an early period in Cork, Kinsale, Youghal and Kilmallock. They were of Anglo-Norman origin and had, as the surname implies, previously settled in Meath. The anglicised form of the surname down to the end of the 16th century was always Meagh or Miagh. The modern form, Meade, seems to have been intended to represent 'Meath.' The Meades are still numerous in Cork and Limerick.
Alphabetical Index to Irish Surnames