Denehy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Early Origins of the Denehy family

The surname Denehy was first found in Cork (Irish: Corcaigh) the ancient Kingdom of Deis Muin (Desmond), located on the southwest coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, and Kerry where they held a family seat. The first recorded instance of the name is of Donall O'Denaghie of Cloghlea, County Cork, a vestarius (keeper of the vestry) in 1585. According to Irish lore, bearers of this name were traditionally descended from Maoin, brother of Muircaertach Mor MacEarca, King of Ireland. Many Irish sept (clann) names were intermixed and family groupings became almost indistinguishable. Bearers of this name often changed Danagher to Dennehy, and Dennehy to Denny.

Early History of the Denehy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Denehy research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1828, 1829, 1865 and 1907 are included under the topic Early Denehy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Denehy Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Dennehy, Denehy, O'Dennehy, O'Denehy, Denesy and many more.

Early Notables of the Denehy family

Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Denehy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Denehy migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Denehy Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Patrick Denehy, who was naturalized in New York city in 1836
Philip Denehy, who was recorded in New York in 1851

Denehy migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Denehy Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Daniel Denehy, (b. 1853), aged 25, Irish farm labourer from Cork departing on 10th August 1878 aboard the ship "Hydaspes" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 9th November 1878

Contemporary Notables of the name Denehy (post 1700) +

William Francis "Bill" Denehy (b. 1946), American Major League Baseball retired pitcher and coach
Bill J. Denehy (b. 1889), Australian rules footballer who played from 1911 to 1912