Show ContentsMonneyhane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many variations of the name Monneyhane 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 Monneyhane family

The surname Monneyhane 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 Monneyhane family

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

Monneyhane Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Monneyhane can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include Monaghan, Monahan, Monagham, Monahon, Monagan, Mongan, Monaugher, Monck and many more.

Early Notables of the Monneyhane family

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

Migration of the Monneyhane family

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 Monneyhane to North America: 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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