Surname Monahan - Meaning and Origin
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My Journey with the Monahan Surname: Discoveries and Connections Through iGENEA DNA Test
After delving into their ancestry via an iGENEA DNA test, the author shares their fascinating exploration into the origins of the Monahan surname and their experience of connecting with distant relatives who carry the same family name.
R. Monahan
read moreMonahan: What does the surname Monahan mean?
The surname Monahan is of Irish origin, derived from the O Maonaigh sept of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne in Galway. The literal meaning of the name is "nobleman" but has also been translated to mean "lord of the warriors" or "lord of the hill”, reflecting its ancient warrior lineage.
The Monahan surname first appeared in the early Middle Ages, where it has been recorded in various Irish Annals. The earliest record of a Monahan was Muriertach O Maonaigh, King of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne, who died in 975. Other early mentions include King Ughaine O Maonaigh in Galway in 1046, and it is recorded that a Monsignor Conata O Maonaigh passed away in 1181.
The Monahan crest is a red lion rampant upon a black shield with gold border. It is believed to symbolize strength, courage, and leadership - the qualities of an excellent warrior.
The name has spread across the world, especially to the United States and Canada, thanks to Irish immigration in the 1800s. In the U.S., the name is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, followed by New York and Massachusetts. There are numerous notable Monahans around the world, in fields as diverse as acting to politics.
The Monahan name carries with it an illustrious history of valour and bravery, and its bearers have historically upheld these values as they have moved through the ages.
Order DNA origin analysisMonahan: Where does the name Monahan come from?
The last name Monahan is most commonly found in the United States, especially in the North East. It is the 47th most common surname in the US, primarily found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. It is also found throughout Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. The Monahan name originates with the ancient Gaelic clann and is derived from the Irish word "maonaigh" which means "honorable". It is likely that the original bearer of the name originated from Munster, a province in south-west Ireland.
The Monahan surname is found in many countries throughout the world, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Canada the surname is most common in Nova Scotia, with Monahans making up 4.42% of the population in that province.
Early history shows the Monahan surname being passed through the generations, first appearing in history around 1100. Monahan families were often actively involved in the local and national Irish politics during the 16th to 18th centuries, particularly in the Leinster province.
Today many people with the Monahan surname are highly successful and have achieved great things in their chosen fields. There are several prominent people with the surname, such as American ice hockey player Chris Monahan, Irish Scientists Aoife Monahan, as well as American television writer and producer Rob Monahan.
Variations of the surname Monahan
The surname Monahan has many variants, spellings, and related surnames that are all of the same origin and are derived from the Irish name ‘Ó Monachểin'. The spelling of Monahan is most commonly found as one word with an apostrophe. However,it can also be seen written as two words with an apostrophe in the middle. Variants of the name include Monaghan, Monahan, Monaghon, Munnaghan, Munaghan, O'Munaghan and O'Monaghan.
The earliest recorded spelling for this family name can be traced back to the County of Galway in Ireland, in the year 1318. It's possible that this surname originates from an ancient ritual or tribal name; or it could be derived from ‘monach’, which means "monk" and ‘ain’ which means "a descendant".
Other surnames which are associated with this family include Monnin, Monagon, Monoghan, Minnion, Munnigan, Monicson, Monaham, Monicham, Monichanan, Monigen, Moniegan, Monaghen, Monagham and Mongan.
Although many of the variants of Monahan refer to the same family, they could be related to different clans or septs from the same original family, since Irish families often adopted different individual spellings due to regional variation and differences in pronunciation.
Monahan is also a surname found in Scotland and the United States. It’s possible that these branches of the same family originated from the Irish septs that moved to this part of the world centuries ago.
Overall, Monahan is a widespread surname with many variations in spelling, arising through a combination of regional pronunciation and individual choice.
Famous people with the name Monahan
1.Brian Monahan: Actor 2.Patrick Monahan: Musician and lead singer of Train 3.John Monahan: Actor 4.Brian Monahan, Jr.: Actor 5.Peter Monahan: Bassist for Oingo Boingo 6.Corey Monahan: Actor 7.Teresa Monahan: Actress 8.Garry Monahan: Former NHL hockey player 9.Tom Monahan: Comedian 10.Harold Monahan: Editor, Director and Producer 11.Hilary Monahan: American author and poet 12.Florence P. Monahan: American politician and Member of the Vermont House of Representatives