Meany History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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Ireland

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Gaelic, otherwise known as Early Modern Irish, was used in Ireland from around the year 1200 until the 18th century. It is from this language that we found the first references to the name Meany as Ó Maonaigh. This is derived from the word maonach, meaning wealthy. 1

Early Origins of the Meany family

The surname Meany was first found in County Offaly (Irish: Uíbh Fháilí) originally the Kingdom of Uí Failghe, located in central Ireland in the Province of Leinster, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Meany family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meany research. Another 66 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Meany History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Meany 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 Meany family name include Mooney, Moony, O'Mooney, Meeny, O'Meany, Meany, O'Meeny, O'Mainy, Meaney and many more.

Early Notables of the Meany family

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

Meany Ranking

In the United States, the name Meany is the 17,239^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2

Meany migration to the United States +

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name Meany:

Meany Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

George F Meany, aged 32, who arrived in Maryland in 1812 3
John Meany, aged 14, who landed in New York in 1854 3
Ellen Meany, aged 13, who landed in New York in 1854 3
Bridget Meany, aged 7, who arrived in New York in 1864 3
Margaret Meany, who arrived in New York in 1864 3
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Meany migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Meany Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

William Meany, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1776

Meany Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Miss. Mary Meany, aged 1 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Pursuit" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in June 1847 4
Mrs. Jane Meany, aged 65 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Lord Glenelg" departing 6th May 1847 from Limerick, Ireland; the ship arrived on 19th June 1847 but she died on board 5

Meany migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Meany Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Catherine Meany, aged 30, Irish convict from County Tipperary, who was transported aboard the "Arabian" in November 22nd, 1846, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 6
Judith Meany, aged 20, Irish convict from Limerick, who was transported aboard the "Arabian" in November 22nd, 1846, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 6
Jerry Meany, aged 25, who arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Adelaide" 7
Michael Meany, aged 39, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Standard" 8
Pat. Meany, aged 16, a farm servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Standard" 8
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Meany (post 1700) +

George Meany (1894-1980), American labour leader and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Edward P. Meany, American Democratic Party politician, Chair of Morris County Democratic Party, 1914 9
Edward A. Meany Jr. (b. 1920), American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for U.S. Senator from Michigan, 1964 ; Candidate in primary for U.S. Representative from Michigan 9th District, 1966 9