Surname Bannaghan - Meaning and Origin
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Bannaghan: What does the surname Bannaghan mean?
The last name Bannaghan is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic surname “Ó Bannagáin” which translates to "descendant of Bannagáin." The name Bannagáin is derived from the Gaelic word "banach", which means "spear".
The family was said to have originated from the old principality of Uí Failghe, near the present day County Longford. The descendants of Bannagáin take the title "Uí Mhathghamhna," meaning "descendants of the bear."
From the 13th century until their extinction in the mid 17th century, the Bannaghan family was a prominent ruling family in the region. After their downfall, members of the family continued to be active in the area as merchants, farmers, and administrators.
Over the centuries, the name has been anglicised into various forms, such as Bannagan, Bannan, Bannin and Bennan. It is most common in the Irish counties of Longford, Galway and Sligo, but there are also many members of the family living in other parts of Ireland and beyond.
The name Bannaghan is associated with strength and endurance, as the ancient family managed to survive and even thrive from a time of political and social upheaval in Ireland. It is a proud name that symbolizes Ireland's unbroken spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisBannaghan: Where does the name Bannaghan come from?
The last name Bannaghan is most commonly found in areas with high concentrations of Irish ancestry, especially in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, Bannaghan is found mostly in the northwest and southwest regions, including counties such as Lancashire, Derbyshire, and Devon. Bannaghan can also be found in the Irish Republic, mainly in Ulster and Connacht.
In the United States, the last name Bannaghan can be found throughout the country. The largest concentrations are found in the north east, particularly in New England, in the eastern and southern states, such as Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia, and in the Midwest, such as Illinois and Ohio.
Overall, Bannaghan is a common last name throughout many countries and cultures, but is particularly associated with Irish-American and Irish–British communities. The majority of people that carry the last name Bannaghan have either Irish or British ancestry.
Variations of the surname Bannaghan
The surname Bannaghan originates from a personal name derived from the Irish Gaelic ‘Bananach’ meaning ‘white warrior’. It has been passed down through generations and is still commonly found in Ireland and Scotland. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:
Bannaghan: This is the most commonly used spelling of the surname.
Bannagin: This is a more popular spelling variation found both in Ireland and Scotland. Bannin: This is an English style spelling of the name. Bannigan: This is an alternate spelling of the name.
Bannachan: This is an Irish spelling of the name. Bannigan: This variation of the surname is found mostly in Scotland. Bannachain: This is another Irish spelling of the name. Bannen: This variation of the surname is usually found in Ireland.
Banaghan: This is a less common spelling of the name. Bannick: This is an English spelling of the name.
Banachain: This variation is found in Irish and Scottish records. Banichan: This is another version of the name found mainly in Scotland.
The surname Bannaghan is also spelled and pronounced differently in different parts of the world, including Bannigran, Bannacken, Bannikan and Bannukan.
Famous people with the name Bannaghan
- Michael Bannaghan: an Irish singer and songwriter best known for his solo album Out of the Blue.
- John Bannaghan: an Irish Gaelic footballer who was a member of the Dublin Senior Football team.
- Sean Bannaghan: an Irish playwright and theatre director whose works have been produced at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and the Royal National Theatre in London.
- Barry Bannaghan: an Irish television presenter and actor, best known for his role in the Irish soap opera Fair City.
- Mary Bannaghan: an Irish actress and former model who is best known for her roles in the series The English Game and The Fall.
- Joe Bannaghan: an Irish actor who has appeared in the films Killing of the Sacred Deer and The Hole in the Ground.
- Rose Bannaghan: and Irish actress best known for her roles in the television shows Teresa and Love/Hate.
- Simon Bannaghan: an Irish folk singer and songwriter who is best known for his album Songs from the Heart.
- Eddie Bannaghan: an Irish comedian and impressionist who has toured the world, performing in venues across Europe, North America and Australia.
- Eileen Bannaghan: an Irish scriptwriter and actress who is best known for her series Fallen Angel and her adaptations of classic works.