Monahen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Many variations of the name Monahen have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Ó Manachain, which is derived from the word "manach," which means "monk." 1

Early Origins of the Monahen family

The surname Monahen was first found in County Roscommon (Irish: Ros Comáin) located in central Ireland in the province of Connacht, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Monahen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Monahen research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1798 is included under the topic Early Monahen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Monahen Spelling Variations

The recording of names in Ireland during the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. Since the general population did not know how to read or write, they could only specify how their names should be recorded orally. Research into the name Monahen revealed spelling variations, including Monaghan, Monahan, Monagham, Monahon, Monagan, Mongan, Monaugher, Monck and many more.

Early Notables of the Monahen family

More information is included under the topic Early Monahen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Monahen migration to Canada +

Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Monahen to North America:

Monahen Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Margaret Monahen, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Daniel O'Connell" in 1834

Citations +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)