Many variations of the name Monnoghan have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as O Manachain, which is derived from the word "manach," which means "monk."
Early Origins of the Monnoghan family
The surname Monnoghan was first found in County Roscommon
(Irish: Ros Comáin) located in central Ireland
in the province of Connacht
, where they held a family seat
from ancient times.
Early History of the Monnoghan family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Monnoghan research.Another 217 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 179 and 1798 are included under the topic Early Monnoghan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Monnoghan Spelling Variations
Many spelling variations
of the surname Monnoghan can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include Monaghan
, Monahan, Monagham, Monahon, Monagan, Mongan, Monaugher, Monck and many more.
Early Notables of the Monnoghan family (pre 1700)
Another 20 words (1 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Monnoghan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Monnoghan family to the New World and Oceana
became inhospitable for many native Irish families
in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine
of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Monnoghan to North America: William Monahan, who settled in Virginia in 1654; Edward Monaghan
, who arrived in New York, NY in 1806; Patrick Monagan, who arrived in Ontario in 1809.