Show ContentsMenie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Menie

What does the name Menie mean?

Gaelic, otherwise known as Early Modern Irish, was used in Ireland from around the year 1200 until the 18th century. It is from this language that we found the first references to the name Menie as Ó Maonaigh. This is derived from the word maonach, meaning wealthy. 1

Early Origins of the Menie family

The surname Menie was first found in County Offaly (Irish: Uíbh Fháilí) originally the Kingdom of Uí Failghe, located in central Ireland in the Province of Leinster, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Menie family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Menie research. Another 66 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Menie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Menie Spelling Variations

The recording of names in Ireland during the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. Since the general population did not know how to read or write, they could only specify how their names should be recorded orally. Research into the name Menie revealed spelling variations, including Mooney, Moony, O'Mooney, Meeny, O'Meany, Meany, O'Meeny, O'Mainy, Meaney and many more.

Early Notables of the Menie family

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

Migration of the Menie family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Menie name: Andrew, Arthur, Catherine, Daniel, Hugh, James, John, Mary, Michael, Patrick, Richard, Thomas and William Mooney all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1840 and 1860.



  1. MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)


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