Show ContentsMoneham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many variations of the name Moneham 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 Moneham family

The surname Moneham 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 Moneham family

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

Moneham Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Moneham family name include Monaghan, Monahan, Monagham, Monahon, Monagan, Mongan, Monaugher, Monck and many more.

Early Notables of the Moneham family

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

Migration of the Moneham family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Moneham name: William Monahan, who settled in Virginia in 1654; Edward Monaghan, who arrived in New York, NY in 1806; Patrick Monagan, who arrived in Ontario in 1809.



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


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