Surname Lonnergane - Meaning and Origin
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Lonnergane: What does the surname Lonnergane mean?
The surname Lonnergane is generally thought to have originated in Ireland, where it is believed to have been derived from MacGlonnagáin, a personal name from the Gaelic Mac Glonnagáin. The name is thought to mean ‘son of the strong or brave champion’, probably referring to a knight or warrior.
In Ireland the name is often spelt Lonergan and is mainly found in County Cork and County Tipperary, but it is also common in the United States. It is quite popular even in Australia, which may be a result of Irish Immigration during the Potato Famine of the mid-1800s.
Variants include Lonnergan, Lonnergen, Lonogen, Loniorgan, Lonirgan, and Lonnegon. The Irish surname Lannigan is also considered to be a variant of the name Lonnergane, derived from a branch of the same family.
Many families bearing the name have a long, illustrious history. One prominent example is that of the O'Lonergans of Ikerrin. This family produced a number of celebrated men such as the late Dr. Maurice O’Lonergans, who was a professor of ancient Irish history at University College Dublin.
In general, the surname Lonnergane is associated with strength and bravery, likely because of its strong ties to the Gaelic language and Ireland’s history of warriors and knights. It is a proud and noble surname that will be faithfully carried on by generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisLonnergane: Where does the name Lonnergane come from?
The surname Lonnergane is believed to have originated in County Kilkenny, Ireland during the 12th century. The name is derived from Lann gCearain, which translates to “O’O’Cearain’s little fort”. This location is now the site of an abandoned castle and the O’Cearain family are believed to have lived there during the medieval era.
Today, the surname Lonnergane is most commonly found in Ireland and Australia. In Ireland, the name can still be found in Kilkenny, where it originated, as well as in counties Cork and Dublin. Notably, one of the most famous Irish people with this surname is the late political theorist and philosopher Mary O'Lonnergane, who was a prominent campaigner for Irish independence during the early 20th century.
In Australia, you can find the surname in the towns of Bendigo, Victoria and Cairns, Queensland, where there is a prominent Roman Catholic church known as St. Vincent de Paul Lonnergan Church. In the United States, there have been cases of people with the surname Lonnergane, most notably the New York Senator Patrick Lonnergane who served as a voice for the Irish immigrant community during the early 1900s.
Overall, while the surname Lonnergane is not as common today as it once was, it is still possible to trace its roots in many places across the world.
Variations of the surname Lonnergane
The surname Lonnergane is of Irish origin, and there have been several variants and spellings throughout the centuries. These include Ó Longargáin, Ó Longargáinigh, Ó Longairgáinigh, O'Lonergan, O'Lonnergan, Lonergan, Lonnergan, Longergan, Longorgin, Lonreggan, Lonaconergan, Lonergen, Lonergin, Lonergane, and Lonnergane.
The prefix 'O' or 'Ó' indicates the original Irish roots of this surname. It suggests that the surname was first used by descendants of the ancient Irish clans, and was most likely a patronymic or localized surname derived from the first name of the original ancestor, which signified their affiliation with that particular lineage.
It is also possible that the O'Lonergan (or O'Lonnergan) variants originated from the gardener Lobhir, which suggests that the Lettery tribe may have been associated with this surname. Further, some variations may have been derived from other sources, such as a nickname, an occupation, or a physical or other characteristic.
In more recent times, the surname has been used widely throughout the world, with well-known examples such as writer and poet Sean O'Lonnergan, Irish politician Willie O'Lonergan, and Australian politician Thomas Lonergan.
Famous people with the name Lonnergane
- Emma Lonergan: British cyclist and Paralympic athlete.
- Tobey Maguire: American actor.
- Paddy Lonergan: former Australian rules footballer.
- Margaret Lonergan: former Irish politician.
- Pat Lonergan: former American basketball player.
- Michael Lonergan: former American collegiate ice hockey player.
- Shannon Lonergan: Irish actress.
- John Lonergan: former Irish politician.
- Sean Lonergan: Irish footballer.
- Ciarán Lonergan: Irish actor.