Show ContentsTagney History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Tagney comes from the Irish Gaelic "O Teangna" and refers to a "descendant of Teangana." This personal name is an Old Breton name composed of the element "tan" meaning "fire" and "ci" meaning "dog," and was born by a sixth century Christian saint.

Early Origins of the Tagney family

The surname Tagney was first found in County Kerry (Irish:Ciarraí) part of the former County Desmond (14th-17th centuries), located in Southwestern Ireland, in Munster province.

Early History of the Tagney family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tagney research. Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Tagney History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tagney Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Tangney, O'Tangney, Tagney, Tangley and others.

Early Notables of the Tagney family

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


United States Tagney migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Tagney Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Eliza Tagney, who immigrated to Boston in 1847
  • John Tagney, who arrived in New York in 1849
  • Patrick Tagney, who arrived in New York in 1854
  • Mary Tagney, who landed in New York in 1856

Australia Tagney migration to Australia +

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

Tagney Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Margaret Tagney, English convict from Dorset, who was transported aboard the "America" on December 30, 1830, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Tagney (post 1700) +

  • E.F. Tagney, American businessman, co-owner of the Hotel Kirkwood, Des Moines, Iowa in 1930, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places
  • Maggie Tagney, British actress, known for Girls' Night (1998), Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise (2001) and Heartbeat (1992)
  • Philip Tagney, English co-founder of the Langham Research Centre, a group devoted to authentic performances of classic electronic music in 2003


The Tagney 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: Si Deus quis contra?
Motto Translation: If God be with us who can be against us?.


  1. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2014, November 26) America voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1830 with 135 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/america/1830


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