Surname O'Mooney - Meaning and Origin
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O'Mooney: What does the surname O'Mooney mean?
The last name O'Mooney is an Irish surname. It's derived from the Gaelic "O'Muadhnaigh," which translates to "son of the follower of descent." The precise meaning of the term "follower of descent" is not known, but it likely has to do with a chief, or leader, in ancient times. The O'Mooney clan originated in County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Throughout the early and medieval periods, O'Mooneys were an active and influential clan in the region, serving as advisors to local kings and taking part in various battles. Today, the O'Mooney surname remains fairly concentrated in the southern, western, and midlands parts of modern day Ireland, with some members scattered in various other parts of the world.
The O'Mooney surname has often been known for its strong sense of tradition and loyalty to its Irish homeland. Members of the family boast a varied heritage of farmers, soldiers, priests, scholars, and politicians, and many are highly regarded in their home communities. O'Mooneys are also known for their great generosity and hospitality, as well as their ability to laugh at life's obstacles and challenge the status quo.
The last name O'Mooney is a proud and storied name, full of vibrant history and tradition. It carries with it a shared sense of honor and responsibility to serve one's community, something that has been passed down through generations. Today, it is a legacy that is respected and celebrated in both the homeland and around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Mooney: Where does the name O'Mooney come from?
The last name O'Mooney is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in the south and west of the country. It is known to be an ancient and proud Irish surname that can be traced back to the 11th century when a powerful family ruled over the kingdom of Hy Maine in the northeast of the island. This surname is especially common around the counties of Galway, Clare and Tipperary where it has been used for centuries. In recent times, however, it has spread to other parts of the world, particularly to North America, Australia and Europe. There, it is commonly found in the larger cities, as well as in smaller towns and rural areas.
O'Mooney is known for being a strong and tenacious family, and they have a rich tradition of service to the Irish nation. Many members of the O'Mooney family have played an important role in Irish history, from playing a key part in the struggle for independence to serving in government and the Irish Army. Today, they are mostly found in Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries where the Irish diaspora has dispersed.
Internationally, O'Mooney is a surname highly respected for its role as part of Irish heritage, and generations of this storied family still remain. A quick survey of internet searches confirms this, showing that the last name is still well-represented throughout the world hundreds of years after it was first established.
Variations of the surname O'Mooney
The surname O'Mooney is an Irish patronymic surname which is an Anglicised version of the Gaelic name Ó Maonaigh, meaning descendant of Maonaigh. It is most commonly found in regions of County Meath and County Tipperary in Ireland.
Variations, spellings and alternative surnames to O'Mooney include Maoney, Moneley, Mooneay, Mowney, O'Mony and O'Money.
The spelling variations of O'Mooney are caused by the constant changes in spelling rules and pronunciation due to regional accents and old English influenced spelling. The relationship between the sound of a surname and its spelling can be quite elusive at times.
O'Mooney can also be spelt in Gaelic as Ó Maonaigh and is sometimes alternatively spelt as O'Mony or O'Money. Ó Maonaigh is believed to be derived from the Gaelic adjective 'maonach' which means 'stout' and 'sturdy'.
In Ireland, O'Mooney is traditionally associated with the county of Meath where it is widely used and is found in some parts of County Tipperary. It is very rare in other parts of Ireland and can also be found in smaller concentrations in various parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire in England.
The O'Mooney coat of arms has a gold background, with a black chevron edged with silver and with a cross at the top and a black wolf at the base. The three gold stars are superimposed on the chevron.
Alternate spellings of the surname O'Mooney include Maoney, Moneley, Mooneay, Mowney, OMalley and O Muly. These variations of the same name are found throughout Ireland and Great Britain, however they are most prominent in County Meath in the south east of Ireland, and County Tipperary in the south of Ireland.
Famous people with the name O'Mooney
- Morrissey (known as Stephen Patrick Morrissey), an English singer-songwriter and author.
- Maureen O'Mooney, an Irish television personality.
- John O'Mooney, American soccer player.
- Cat O'Mooney, British actress.
- Peter O'Mooney, Canadian ice hockey player.
- Cal O'Mooney, Irish professional footballer.
- Maeve O'Mooney, Irish musician and singer-songwriter.
- Sean O'Mooney, Irish hurler.
- Brian O'Mooney, Irish footballer.
- Dennis O'Mooney, American actor.