Surname Enright - Meaning and Origin
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Z. Enright
read moreEnright: What does the surname Enright mean?
The surname Enright is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "O'Indreachtain", which translates to "descendant of Indreachtan". The personal name Indreachtan is further believed to be derived from the pre 7th century word elements 'innraic', meaning 'to ride or drive', and the suffix '-an', creating 'little rider'. The surname gradually changed over the centuries and became popularly spelled as MacEnright in the 17th Century. This surname is primarily prevalent in the Munster county of Kerry in Ireland. Like most Irish surnames, it is an example of an early origins surname that developed out of the necessity to distinguish between people with the same personal name, possibly indicating an attribute or profession associated with that person. In this case, it may refer to an individual who was proficient in riding or was known for their riding skills.
Order DNA origin analysisEnright: Where does the name Enright come from?
The surname Enright is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic term "Indreacht", primarily used in County Kerry and Limerick in the western part of the country. The term "Indreacht" translates to "the exertion of physical strength", indicating ancestral ties to strong, hardworking individuals.
Enrights have been part of Irish history for centuries, with some of the earliest records dating back to the 1650s. Significant numbers of Enrights were forced to emigrate during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century, leading to the surname's dispersal.
Today, the name is common in its country of origin, Ireland, especially in the Western region. However, due to historical emigration, it can also be found in other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Britain, and Australia. Census data suggests a higher concentration of Enrights in Chicago, New York, and Boston in the USA, and New South Wales in Australia.
Variations of the surname Enright
The surname Enright is of Irish origin and it's derived from the Gaelic name Ó hInneirghe, which means "descendant of the messenger". The Ó is often dropped in English versions of Gaelic names. This surname has evolved through the years with different spellings and variations across different regions and countries.
Variants and spellings of the surname "Enright" may include Enrite, Enryght, Henright, Enwright, Inright, Innright and O'Inright. These variants represent different phonetic interpretations and spelling adaptations.
Other surnames that are similar in origin and meaning include O'Henright and O'Inneirghe, as they also communicate the concept of a relationship to a "messenger".
There is a potential connection to the surname Henrich or Heinrich, as these names originate from Germanic roots, with Heim meaning "home" and Ric meaning "ruler", and loosely translate to "ruler of the home". However, while these names might be similar phonetically to Enright, they have different origins and meanings.
It's also important to note that surname variations and spelling can be influenced by many factors such as regional dialects, literacy levels, and cultural assimilation.
Famous people with the name Enright
- Anne Enright: An Irish author, she won the Man Booker Prize in 2007 for her novel "The Gathering".
- Norah Enright: A Canadian professional figure skater during the 1940s.
- Richard Enright: The first Irish-American to serve as New York City Police Commissioner from 1918 to 1925.
- Thomas Enright: An American mathematician known for his contributions to the theory of quantum mechanics.
- Dominick Enright: An acclaimed contemporary Irish artist, known for his abstract paintings.
- Bernard Enright: An Irish composer, based in London, known for his work in television and film.
- Mo Enright: An American actress known for her roles in American horror films.
- Patricia Enright: A New Zealand cricketer who played for the national women's team in the 1970s.
- D. J. Enright: An English author and poet.
- Tess Enright: An Australian actress known for various roles in TV series and films.
- Elizabeth Enright: An American author known for her children's books.
- Michael Enright: A Canadian radio journalist and presenter of CBC Radio One's The Sunday Edition.
- Robert Enright: A Canada-based critic, curator and Professor of Art Theory and Criticism.