Surname Ó hEignigh - Meaning and Origin
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Ó hEignigh: What does the surname Ó hEignigh mean?
The last name Ó hEignigh originates from the Irish language meaning “grandson of (Eignigh)”. The surname is derived from the given name “Eignigh” which is a combination of two words, éigse and ceann, meaning “poetry” and “head” respectively. Thus, Ó hEignigh could come to mean a leader in literature or the grandson/descendant of a poet or literary figure.
Variations of the last name can be found in numerous Gaelic speaking countries, such as Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. It is especially common in the south-western regions of Ireland where it was most likely originally established.
The Irish version of the name is Ó hEignigh, and it also appears as Heeney, Heenihan, Heenehan, Heaney, Heenihy, Heenan, Heenane, O'Heenan, Heany, Heney, Henehan, O'Heany, O'Hayne, or O'Heaney.
The modern spread of the surname is partially attributed to the great famine in Ireland in the 1800s, when many Irish citizens had to relocate and seek a new life elsewhere. As a result, the last name has been found all over the world, particularly in America, Australia, Canada, and Great Britain.
Despite its geographical diversity, the last name Ó hEignigh still holds the same meaning of “grandson of (Eignigh)”, and is a reminder of the proud and long-established literary heritage that it was created from.
Order DNA origin analysisÓ hEignigh: Where does the name Ó hEignigh come from?
The Irish surname Ó hEignigh (anglicised to O'Heney, Heney, Heaney and Heeney) is still common in Ireland today, mostly in the provinces of Connacht and Leinster. It is primarily derived from the Old Irish name Ó hEigneacháin, meaning “one who is descended from Eigneachán”, which is an old Irish personal name believed to be derived from the Celtic word “eigne”, meaning “army”.
Due to many changes in naming practices since the Middle Ages, the modern spelling of O’Heignigh comes in a variety of forms. Many of the family’s members in Ireland today go by the O’Heeney spelling, while many Irish-Americans prefer the O’Heney or Heeney spelling.
The O’Heignigh family was a prominent Gaelic dynasty that ruled the barony of Forth in County Carlow. Their castle, Ennel Castle, was a substantial fortress in the area for over 600 years until 1641, when it was destroyed during the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
Today, the O’Heignigh family is mostly found living in the provinces of Connacht and Leinster, and more specifically in the counties of Carlow, Wexford, Laois, Roscommon and Kilkenny. The family’s associated coat of arms can be seen displayed on many public monuments in County Carlow, such as the War Memorial at the Cross of Collen.
Despite its relatively small size, O’Heignigh is a proud family name with a long and vibrant history. It is still found across Ireland, and serves as a reminder that family legacies can span centuries.
Variations of the surname Ó hEignigh
The variant, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Ó hEignigh are Hegney, Hegney/Henery, Heaney, Heney, Heeney, Heggan, Hegny, Henaghan, Heneghan, Henican, Henigane, Heenigan, Henigan, Higgn, Heigney, and Heagan.
The origin of the surname Ó hEignigh is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó hEighnigh. It was anglicized in two ways - the ending '-gan' was replaced with '-ney' and the prefix 'Ó' was dropped. The variations of the spelling of the surname are mostly found in Irish counties such as Ulster (Ó hEighnigh) and Munster (Hegney, Hegney/Henery, Heaney, Heney, or Heeney).
In some ancient records, some variants of the surname are spelled with the prefix 'Mc'. This can be seen in some nineteenth century records where the name has been recorded as Mac Hegny, Mac Hegan, Mac Henaghan, and Mac Heenigan.
Other spellings of the surname include Heigean, Heggan, Henigan, Higney, Higgn, and Heigney. Heneghan and Henican are often used as alternative surnames as well.
Due to extensive migration and emigration, the surname Ó hEignigh has spread to countries around the world such as the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand, and is very common in these areas. The pronunciation of the name has also changed over time, which has led to even more variants and spellings. However, all the variants and spellings of the surname Ó hEignigh are of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Ó hEignigh
- Kieran O'hEignigh: Irish sports journalist
- Ailbhe Ó hEignigh: Irish writer and women's advocate
- Cormac Ó hEignigh: Irish cultural scholar
- Máire Ó hEignigh: Irish poet
- Deirdre Ó hEignigh: Irish film director
- Cian Ó hEignigh: Irish businessman and investor
- Patrick Ó hEignigh: Irish journalist and political commentator
- Brian Ó hEignigh: Irish social media strategist
- Declan Ó hEignigh: Irish political commentator
- Paul Ó hEignigh: Irish author and memoirist