Shanleagh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The family name Shanleagh has an intrinsic connection to the Gaelic culture of Ireland. This east Connacht sept gathered their original Gaelic form of the name Shanleagh is Mac Seanlaoich, which is derived from the words "sean," meaning "old," and "laoch," meaning "hero."

Early Origins of the Shanleagh family

The surname Shanleagh was first found in Leitrim (Irish: Liatroim) anciently the western half of the kingdom of Breifne, located in Northeastern Ireland, in Leinster province, where they held a family seat in that county, some say, well before the 10th century.

Early History of the Shanleagh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shanleagh research. Another 198 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1404, 1473 and 1714 are included under the topic Early Shanleagh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shanleagh Spelling Variations

Many different spelling variations of the surname Shanleagh were found in the archives researched. These included Scribes and church officials generally spelled a name as it sounded; as a result, a person's name could be spelt innumerable ways in his lifetime. Shanley, Shanly, MacShanley, McShanley, MacShanly and many more.

Early Notables of the Shanleagh family

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

Migration of the Shanleagh family

The 19th century brought a massive reduction in Ireland's population. It seemed that during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s the Irish people had two options: starve or immigrate. Those that chose the later frequently headed for the United States, hopeful for land, work, and equality. Those determined for free land joined the migration west; while others stayed behind to live in urban centers and often work in factories. Still others began a transitory life in work camps, building the bridges, canals, railways, and highways so critical to the rapidly development of the growing industrial nation. Early passenger and immigration lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Shanleagh: Thomas Shanley, who settled in Charles Town, SC in 1767; Bernardo Shanly, who settled in Mississippi in 1789; James D. Shanley, who settled in Philadelphia in 1819.

The Shanleagh Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Pro patria et religione
Motto Translation: For country and religion