Show ContentsO'Monaghen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many variations of the name O'Monaghen 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 O'Monaghen family

The surname O'Monaghen 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 O'Monaghen family

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

O'Monaghen 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 O'Monaghen family name include Monaghan, Monahan, Monagham, Monahon, Monagan, Mongan, Monaugher, Monck and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Monaghen family

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

Migration of the O'Monaghen family

In the 19th century, thousands of Irish left their English-occupied homeland for North America. Like most new world settlers, the Irish initially settled on the eastern shores of the continent but began to move westward with the promise of owning land. The height of this Irish migration came during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. With apparently nothing to lose, Irish people left on ships bound for North America and Australia. Unfortunately a great many of these passengers lost their lives - the only thing many had left - to disease, starvation, and accidents during the long and dangerous journey. Those who did safely arrive in "the land of opportunities" were often used for the hard labor of building railroads, coal mines, bridges, and canals. The Irish were critical to the quick development of the infrastructure of the United States and Canada. Passenger and immigration lists indicate that members of the O'Monaghen family came to North America quite early: 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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