Monan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Monan

What does the name Monan mean?

The surname Monan comes from the original Irish Ó Muanain, the Oriel form of the Munster name Ó Maonain.

Early Origins of the Monan family

The surname Monan was first found in the ancient territory of Oriel, located in the southeast corner of Ulster. Monks of Ireland have traditionally recorded a "Saint Moenenn" for the same feast day as Monan. Saint Monan is a legendary saint believed to have lived in either the 6th or 7th century. The first written record of him was found in the works of Brevarium Aberdonense, which was published in Edinburgh in 1509. In this account, Saint Monan was a companion of Saint Adrian who was with him on the Isle of May when he suffered martyrdom and then went on to Inverey in Fife and set up a chapel that fell to ruin. This chapel was rebuilt by King David II of Scotland between 1329 and 1371 after he recovered from battle wounds thanks to the intercession of the saint. Today, this is the site of St Monans in Fife, Scotland.

Early History of the Monan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Monan research. The years 1664 and 1665 are included under the topic Early Monan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Monan Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Moonan, O'Moonan, Monan, O'Monan, O'Monane, O'Monyne and many more.

Early Notables of the Monan family

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

Monan migration to the United States +

Monan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John and Patrick Monan, who were naturalized in Philadelphia in 1846 and 1852

Contemporary Notables of the name Monan (post 1700) +

Father J. Donald Monan S.J,, American past Chancellor of Boston College
Gerard Monan, Irish hurler, Down Senior Hurling Manager, Christy Ring Cup Final winning manager in 2013

The Monan 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: Flecti non frangi
Motto Translation: To be bent, not broken.