Surname Monoghan - Meaning and Origin
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Monoghan: What does the surname Monoghan mean?
Monaghan is an Irish surname, primarily found in counties Cavan and Meath. It is believed to be derived from the Irish name Ó Manacháin, which means 'devotee of Saint Monachan'. Saint Monachan was a monk from the sixth century and his name is derived from Saint Manchan, one of the three patron saints of Leinster. Monaghan is also the name of a county in the Ulster province of Ireland.
The surname has spread from Ireland to many other countries, particularly to England and the United States. It has also been found to have been used as a surname in Scotland and the Netherlands.
The motto associated with the Monaghan surname is 'Mens conscia recti', which translates to 'A mind conscious of right'. This is a reminder of the importance of doing the right thing and living according to strong moral principles. The colour associated with the Monaghan surname is purple, representing wisdom and respect.
The Monaghan surname remains an important part of Irish history and is still a popular choice among members of the Irish diaspora. Its motto and colour serve as a reminder that doing the right thing is important, no matter where we go.
Order DNA origin analysisMonoghan: Where does the name Monoghan come from?
The last name Monoghan is found mostly in countries such as England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the United States. Monoghan is a very old name that dates back to the 12th century.
The most common locations for Monoghan families today are in England and Ireland, where it is the 71st most common surname. In England alone, Monoghan is concentrated in the regions of south central Lancashire, Lancashire, and North West Yorkshire. While in Ireland it is most often found in lookups under the county of Galway.
In the United States, Monoghan is mostly concentrated in California, New York, and Michigan. Immigration into the United States from England and Ireland in the 1700s and 1800s brought many Monoghan families to the States too.
There are also smaller numbers of people around the world who share the Monoghan surname, due to emigrations occurring over the centuries. Circumstances such as poverty, oppression, famine, and natural disasters have all caused people to emigrate in search of a better life elsewhere. Monoghan families can be found in countries as far flung as Australia, France, and South Africa today.
As the Monoghan family grows, the spread of the name continues and so it is quite common today in areas far and wide.
Variations of the surname Monoghan
The surname Monoghan is a common Irish name; it is an Anglicized form of the original Irish name Ó Maonacháin, which translates to "descendant of Maonachán." In its Anglicized form, Monoghan has undergone various spelling variations and is also used in combination with other surnames. The most common variants are Monaghan, Monachan, Monaghan, Monachan, Monaghan, and O'Monaghan.
The most common spelling Monaghan is the most widely used variant in Ireland, often associated with the Ulster County of the same name. It is also known to have been altered to Monachan in some areas. This variant is thought to have emerged from the Gaelic O'Maoinachain which was used to designate those of the same paternal lineage. The variant originated from the term 'ua maonachain' or ‘descendant of the Monaghan,’ and spread across the Irish landscape to modern times.
Monoghan is an alternate variant of Monaghan, although not as commonly used as the other alternative spellings. Monoghan is part of the umbrella of1 surnames that originate from Monaghan and its variant spellings in Ireland. While Monoghan is not used as commonly as its version- homophone Monaghan- it is the preferred spelling in certain areas and sub-divisions within the country.
Furthermore, Monoghan is commonly combined with other alternative surnames to create unique surnames. Monoghan is therefore used in combination with variations such as Monnagh, Monogon, O'Monoghan, Monagham, Monneghan, and Monahan.
In short, the surname Monoghan and its various variants offer a wide range of choices in Irish surnames. Monoghan is an Anglicized form of the original Irish surname Ó Maonacháin and its variant spellings, as well as hybrid and combination forms, are still in use in Ireland today.
Famous people with the name Monoghan
- Devon Monaghan: Canadian Actress
- Robert Calvert Monaghan: Northern Irish stand-up comedian
- Colin Monaghan: comedic actor
- Malachy Monaghan: Canadian actor
- Esther Monaghan: American actress
- Robert Monaghan: Actor
- John Monaghan: Actor
- Paul Monaghan: Scottish actor and screen writer
- Ed Monaghan: British actor
- Zander Monaghan: Canadian actor
- Aine Monaghan: Irish Actress
- Chris Monaghan: Irish Actor
- Eamon Monaghan: Irish actor
- Dan Monaghan: British actor
- Dawn Monaghan: Canadian actress
- Matthew Monaghan: Actor
- Matt Monaghan: Actor
- Nick Monaghan: Australian Actor
- Frances Monaghan: Actress (Legally Blonde)
- Tony Monaghan: British Actor
- Bill Monaghan: American Actor
- Henry Monaghan: American Actor
- Sean Monaghan: Actor
- Beryl Monaghan: British Actress
- Danny Monaghan: British Actor
- Robert B. Monaghan: American Actor
- Brendan Monaghan: Australian Actor
- Paddy Monaghan: Irish Actor
- Matthew Monaghan: British Actor
- Emily Monaghan: Australian Actress