Surname O'Mahoney - Meaning and Origin

O'Mahoney: What does the surname O'Mahoney mean?

The surname O'Mahoney is a patronymic surname, meaning that it is derived from the father's given name. In this case, the surname is derived from the Irish surname “Ó Mathghamhna” – a combination of the Irish terms “mathghamhain” meaning “bear” and “abhainn” meaning “river”. It was the name of two prominent Irish royal families; one from Kerry and another from Cork.

Historically, since the 1500s, the name O’Mahoney has been associated with political leadership and strength. During the Middle Ages, a branch of the O’Mahoney family, headed by Dermot, was instrumental in helping break the political power of the O'Driscoll family, who for generations had been powerful in the south and southwest of County Cork. Later, members of the O'Mahoney family, from Castle Mahon in Cork, were also instrumental in aiding the Protestant William of Orange in his Crowning victory in 1690.

The O'Mahoneys were mostly located in County Cork in Southwest Ireland up until the late 18th century. But during the ensuing years many of them emigrated throughout the world. Since then, members of the O'Mahoney family have been found in Australia, Canada, the United States, Scotland and England, among other places.

Today, the name O'Mahoney continues to represent strength and leadership. There are numerous notable members of the family, such as: Niall O' Mahoney, an award-winning film editor; as well as Judith O'Mahoney, a lawyer and legal scholar. Additionally, there are many athletes, politicians, artists, and musicians who share the surname.

O'Mahoney: Where does the name O'Mahoney come from?

The last name O'Mahoney is most commonly found today in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In Ireland, O'Mahoney is found most often in County Cork, though it is also found in counties Limerick, Kerry, and elsewhere, as well as in Northern Ireland. In the United Kingdom, the name is associated mostly with northern England, but can be found around the country. In Australia, the name is most commonly seen in the southern and eastern states, most notably in New South Wales.

The O'Mahoney family comes from one of the ancient Irish clans, the Ui Maithon ,whose lineage derives from the ancient 11th century Irish King, Brian Boru, or Brian of The Tributes, who reigned as High King of Ireland from 1002-1014 AD. The O'Mahoney clan are descended from a branch of this royal family, and the name is synonymous with strong Irish heritage.

The O'Mahoney name can be found amongst its many notable holders such as authors Kate O'Mahoney, Ciaran O'Mahoney, and film director Maurice O'Mahoney. There are also many notable figures in politics, with former Senator Noel O'Mahoney and current Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty. In sports, soccer players Eoin O'Mahoney and Liam O'Mahoney have both competed for various teams around the world.

The name O'Mahoney continues to be a source of pride for Irish people around the world. Despite having spread over the centuries, the name is still held close to many Irish hearts and retains its strong connection to the proud Irish heritage and tradition.

Variations of the surname O'Mahoney

The surname O'Mahoney is an Irish surname derived from the Irish Gaelic: Ó Mathghamhna meaning 'descended from Mathghamhain'. It is a common surname and many variants of it exist as a result of the many different spelling variations of Irish surnames.

The most common variant spellings of O'Mahoney are O'mahony, Mahony, Mahoney, O'Mahachel, O'Maughney, O'Mannis, O'monay and Meehan.

Other ways of writing the same name include Mathghamhain, Mathue, Macmaghan, Macamhnaigh, MacEanghain, MacEangamhnaigh, Macuine, Mahonay, Mahanino, Mahaniney, Maghannah and Mahanihe.

Within the English language, O'Mahoney is also commonly referred to by the Anglicised version 'Mahony'.

In theearly 1,900s many Irish people changed their surname to 'Mahony' to overcome anti-Irish sentiment.

In Scotland, the variants O'Mannachy and Macmanachie are used. The Welsh variant of O'Mannachie can be found as Manachi or Manacka. O'Mannachie and Macmanachie are also used in Canada and the United States.

There are some rare variants of O'Mahoney such as Mac Henehan, Mac Handhan, Mac Monos and McMonagh or McMonigal.

In Italy the surname of O'Mahoney is spelt as Maugini, Muggiani or Macugini.

Another variant of O'Mahoney found in England is Muckley or Makley.

Overall there are many different variants and spellings of O'Mahoney and its derivatives, however the most common variant of O'Mahoney is the Anglicized Mahony.

Famous people with the name O'Mahoney

• Macklin O'Mahoney: an American actor who has appeared in films such as Star Trek Beyond, American Honey, and The Sixth Sense.
• Masiela Lusha O’Mahoney: an impressive actor, poet, writer, and activist known for her many roles on TV series including George Lopez and Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!.
• Larry O’Mahoney: a former mayor of Santa Monica, California, having served from 1992 to 1994.
• Jimmy O’Mahoney: an English former professional footballer who played for Crewe Alexandra and Wolverhampton Wanderers throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
• Frank O’Mahony: an Irish former professional footballer who appeared for Peunycum in the Leinster Senior League, Shelbourne, and trainer of Dublin club St. James’s Gate.
• Rory O’Mahony: a prominent Irish rugby player, winning several championships with Munster and featuring on the Irish team which won a Grand Slam in 2009.
• Steve O’Mahony: an Irish footballer who played as a defender for various clubs including Galway United and Dundalk F.C.
• Mike O’Mahony: a two-time All-American track runner at Princeton University.
• Kathleen O’Mahoney: an American television producer, working on major shows such as Homeland and American Gods.
• Gary O’Mahoney: a former MotoGP racer from Springfield, Iowa.

Other surnames

O'Mahony