Surname MacManus - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacManus: What does the surname MacManus mean?
The surname MacManus is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Maghnuis" which means "son of Magnus". Magnus is a Latin name that translates to "great". Hence, MacManus can be interpreted to mean "son of the great one". The name Magnus was popular in Ireland due to its association with the Norse King, Magnus Barefoot, who influenced Ireland during the 11th century. The surname MacManus is widely spread in Ireland, particularly in the regions of Ulster and Connacht. Different variations of the spelling include MacMagnus, MacManners, and McManus. Like most other Irish surnames, MacManus denotes kinship and the family's ancestral lineage, providing an insight into the family's genealogy and historical heritage. This surname is associated with clans that have a long-standing history and that have significantly contributed to the cultural and political landscape of Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacManus: Where does the name MacManus come from?
The surname MacManus has Irish origins and is derived from a Gaelic title "Mac Maghnuis" which translates to "son of Magnus". It holds historical significance and is rooted in ancient Irish culture and identity, particularly within the northern parts of Ireland. The surname is believed to be connected with Clan MacManus, a Gaelic-Irish clan primarily based in Ulster, specifically in County Fermanagh.
Today, MacManus is a fairly common surname in several parts of the world where the Irish diaspora is present including England, United States, Canada and Australia. It is particularly common in areas of Ireland such as County Fermanagh and Donegal. Prominent figures with this surname include a range of musicians, filmmakers and authors.
Variations of the surname MacManus
The surname MacManus has its origins in Ireland and variety of spelling forms have developed over time. Derived from Gaelic, MacManus means "son of Magnus". Variations of spelling can include McManus, M'Manus, MacMaghnuis, MacMagnus, M'Magnus, and MacManners.
Furthermore, while MacManus is commonly used in Ireland, McManus is predominantly used by families of Irish descent living other countries, such as the United States or Canada. Other relatively rare forms can also include McManes, McMenis or McManis.
Anglicization of the name often simplified or phonetically changed the spelling. For example, the surname was sometimes written as Manus, Manners, Magness, or Magnus in Anglicized versions. Phonetic variations often meant the ‘Mac’ or ‘Mc’ was dropped, leading to further variations such as Manis, Manus, Menus, Manice or Mannix.
It's important to note that variation in spelling of the surname can often be attributed to an individual registrar’s interpretation of how the name is pronounced. This means that although the sound of the name has remained relatively constant across the centuries, the way it is written can vary significantly.
Famous people with the name MacManus
- Elvis Costello: Born Declan Patrick MacManus, he is a famous English musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He's known for being part of British punk and new wave movements in the late 1970s.
- Ross MacManus: He was an English musician and trumpet player. He's also the father of Elvis Costello.
- Ronan MacManus: An Irish musician and the youngest brother of Elvis Costello. He's also a member of the band The BibleCode Sundays.
- Chris MacManus: An Irish politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Ireland.
- Declan MacManus: An Irish artist known for his work in sculpture.
- Connor MacManus: A fictional character from the movie "The Boondock Saints," played by Sean Patrick Flanery.
- Murphy MacManus: Another fictional character from "The Boondock Saints," portrayed by Norman Reedus.
- Sarah MacManus: An Australian former basketball player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Peter MacManus: A New Zealand rugby union player who played as hooker for the national team, the All Blacks, between 1960 and 1962.
- Ciaran MacManus: An Irish sportsman who plays Gaelic football.