Surname Blennerhassett - Meaning and Origin
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Blennerhassett: What does the surname Blennerhassett mean?
The surname Blennerhassett is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Brean-aire-hassan which literally translates to "height strong or courageous". It is an ancient Irish family name believed to have descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages, who is often regarded as the ancestor of many Irish families.
The Blennerhassetts were known as professionals in Board of Revenue with Solicitors in Ireland and can be traced back to the fourteenth century in Ireland. This family had land holdings all throughout the western and southern portions of what is now known as County Meath and they were among the most distinguished of the old Irish families.
The family of Blennerhassett is commonly associated with the Anglo-Irish aristocracy, as they held many prestigious titles as seen over the centuries. One of the more prominent members of the family was Sir Thomas Blennerhassett, who in addition to being Chief Justice of the Court of Exchequer, was also made Baron Blennerhassett of Tristramstown in 1628.
Thus today, the Blennerhassett surname represents a proud tradition of commitment, loyalty, and service to the Anglican faith, and a reputation of being of strong character, noble descent, and great academic and professional accomplishment.
Order DNA origin analysisBlennerhassett: Where does the name Blennerhassett come from?
The last name Blennerhassett is most commonly found in Ireland and the United Kingdom today. It is an anglicised version of the transliterated Irish name Ó Blonnrachaidh, which is an old Irish surname originally from the area of Upper Tyrawley in Co. Mayo. The anglicised form of the surname is particularly associated with the Clan Burke. The original source of the name is not clear, however, some have speculated that it is derived from the Gaelic phrase ‘Blonrachadh’, meaning ‘wild crest’.
The surname is also found in other countries throughout the world, though much less so. For example, the surname is recorded in the United States Census of 1930 and in more recent years in Australia, Canada, France and South Africa.
It is possible that the Blennerhassett family originated from a different, unrelated source to the Clan Burke. There is evidence that suggests it may have been a name to be found in Normandy, France, as long ago as 1172 A.D.
The Blennerhassett family is well documented in modern Britain, with several prominent members having succeeded in various careers in the fields of law, politics and journalism. In the 21st century, the name Blennerhassett continues to be found in various parts of the British Isles and elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Blennerhassett
The surname Blennerhassett is of English origin, and is found primarily in the UK, as well as some other English speaking countries such as Australia and Canada. It is derived from the Old English pre-7th century word “blenc”, which means “bend”, possibly referring to a bend in a river or stream.
Variants of the name include Blenkhorn, Blenchhorn, Blenham, Blenning, Blenninghast, Blenninghurst, Blenninghastes, Blennings, and Blenners.
Spellings include: Blennerhast, Blennerhasse, Blennerhase, Blennerhasse, and Blennerhaste.
Surnames of similar origin include Blennerhasset, Blennerhassett, Blennerhaslet, Blenerhaslett, Blennerhassall, Blennerhassette, Blennerhasso, Blennerhassott, and Blennedhassett.
Over the years, variations in spelling of this name have occurred due to the fact that it is difficult to capture the correct spelling of a name as it is pronounced. Many variations of the surname can still be found today.
Famous people with the name Blennerhassett
- Harman Blennerhassett: a wealthy lawyer and politician who served in the Irish House of Commons in the early 19th century.
- Alexander Blennerhassett: an Irish historian who wrote extensively on medieval Irish history.
- Arthur Blennerhassett: an Irish-American soldier who fought in the War of 1812.
- William Blennerhassett: an Irish geologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of the rock formations of Ireland.
- John Blennerhassett: a British politician who served in the House of Lords in the late 19th century.
- Marjorie Blennerhassett: the founder of the Blennerhassett Family Archive, a genealogy-related website.
- Robert Blennerhassett: an English astronomer who made significant contributions to 18th century sky mapping.
- Harry Blennerhassett: a Canadian politician who served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1905 to 1908.
- Joanna Blennerhassett: a British-born writer and illustrator who wrote extensively about her native Ireland.
- Ruth Blennerhassett: an Irish artist and poet who achieved prominence in the late 19th century for her romanticized depictions of rural Ireland.