Surname Monaghan - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling my family history through iGENEA's DNA analysis was a truly eye-opening experience. The journey traced back the origins of my surname, Monaghan, to Ireland, connecting me to unaware historical events related to my lineage. The test was intuitive, informative and created a more profound connection to my ancestors and my heritage.
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read moreMonaghan: What does the surname Monaghan mean?
The surname Monaghan is of Irish origin, and is derived from the Gaelic “Muintir O hAncain”. It is derived from the word for ‘clan’ and means the descendants of O’Hanagan, indicating the original holder of the surname was a member of that clan.
Graphically, the name is composed of a combination of the prefix "Muintir" which indicates ‘people of…’; the root "hAncain" being an ancient Gaelic personal name, and its suffix "ain," suggesting 'little.' This apparent diminutive enables the surname, in translation, to mean “little Hanaghan(s)”.
The original references to the surname can be found in ancient documents and annals such as The Four Masters of Ireland (Lebhar na N-Uidhir), The Annals of Ulster (Annala Uladh), The Annals of Inisfallen (Annala Innesfallen), and The Book of Leinster (Leabhar na Nuachongba).
The Monaghan clan is believed to have been associated with the Cenel Eoghain, a powerful confederation of Gaelic and Viking tribes descended from the High King O’Neill which occupied the ancient region of Ulaidh in what is now modern day County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
In more recent times, the Monaghan family has engaged in a variety of occupations including animal husbandry, farming, craftsmen and tradesmen such as carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, tailors and leather workers.
The Monaghans have had a long and distinguished history and their family name is still found throughout many parts of Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Canada and the United States, indicating a proud and varied background.
Order DNA origin analysisMonaghan: Where does the name Monaghan come from?
The last name Monaghan is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in its northwest region of Ulster. Areas with a high concentration of the Monaghan surname include counties Monaghan, Tyrone, Armagh, Cavan, and Derry. Today the Monaghan surname is also found in areas of the United States, primarily New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois.
The origins of the name Monaghan trace back to the 11th century when the surname was used to identify descendants of two distinct families: Muineachan of Ulster, a branch of the O'Neills, and MacMathghamhna of Connacht (western Ireland). The Muineachan of Ulster were known as the “kindred of St. Manchan” and received their surname from the historic King of Connacht, Mathghamhain, who lived in the 9th century.
The Irish diaspora brought many Monaghans to the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Immigration records document that American Monaghans arrived from countries such as England, Scotland, Australia, Canada, and Ireland. As a result, Monaghan is now also found in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, and England.
In today’s Ireland, the Monaghan surname is still more widespread than it has ever been. According to Ireland's Central Statistics Office, the Monaghan surname is ranked as the 251st most commonly used surname in the country. Although it is less common than the most popular names, Monaghan is still part of the Irish landscape and an integral part of the country’s past and present.
Variations of the surname Monaghan
The surname Monaghan is derived from the Irish Gaelic name “Mongachain”, which roughly translates to “descended of the chieftain”. It is an Irish and Scottish surname associated with the county of Monaghan in Ireland. In addition to Monaghan, there are a range of variants, surnames and spellings of the same origin.
The most common variant of Monaghan is Monahan, with alternate spellings including Monaghon, Monahan, Monahen, Monahann, Monahin, and Monagan. It is also known as MacMonaghan and Monachan. A Scottish variant of the name is Monachan or Monachain, also sometimes spelt as Monachan.
Variants of Monaghan include O'Monaghan, O'Mongahan, Mongan, Monaghan, and Monahan, the latter two pronounced similarly to the Anglophone variants. Additional variants of the surname include Mongan, Mongain, Monnicane, Monaghan, Monahan, Mongechin, and Mongin. Alternative surnames of the same origin include Monegan, Mongomery, Moneyhon, and Mongahan.
O'Monaghan is the traditional Gaelic name for the surname Monaghan and is derived from the Irish words “Maonachain” meaning “descended from the chieftain”. It is thought that the clan first settled in the area of Monaghan in Ireland, and the roots of the name are associated with the county of Monaghan.
Monaghan is also found as a British and Irish name of a different origin. It is also seen spelt as Moneghen, Monigan, and Monnihan. There is also Monogue, also written as spelled as Monogam and Monogon. This variant is a variant of Manogue, an anglicisation of the Gaelic name O'Mannoigh. This is derived from the word “maonach”, meaning “herd or flock” and suggests occupation as a shepherd.
Famous people with the name Monaghan
- Dominic Monaghan: English actor and presenter known for playing Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck in Lord of the Rings and Charlie Pace in Lost.
- Michelle Monaghan: American actress known for her roles in Due Date, Gone Baby Gone, The Bourne Supremacy and Mission Impossible III.
- James Monaghan: Canadian businessman and co-founder of the retail gift chain Tim Hortons.
- David Monaghan: Irish rally driver and two-time Irish rally champion.
- Paddy Monaghan: Irish footballer and coach before becoming a director of Shamrock Rovers.
- Richard Monaghan: English professional Rugby League player who played for Hull Kingston Rovers.
- Brian Monaghan: Irish poet, playwright, and novelist.
- Liam Monaghan: Northern Irish footballer who plays for Football League side Hartlepool United FC.
- Robert Monaghan: Queensland-based medical entomologist responsible for leading the World Heath Organisation's disease control team in Central Africa.
- Lydia Monaghan: New Zealand Olympian who won a bronze medal in the 200 Meter Race at the 1984 Summer Olympics.