Surname Shannessy - Meaning and Origin
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Shannessy: What does the surname Shannessy mean?
The last name Shannessy can be traced back to medieval Ireland and the ancient Gaelic culture. It is an anglicized version of the Irish Ó Saoineasa, which was the surname of a powerful clan that had territories in the present day counties of Cork and Kerry.
The meaning of the original Irish/Gaelic name is "descendant of Saoineasa", where Saoineasa is derived from the Old Gaelic word saon, meaning 'eye' and easa meaning 'eloquent'. Therefore, literally translated, the name carries the meaning "descendant of the eloquent eye".
The Shannessy family history is steeped in tradition, honour and loyalty. As part of one of the oldest Irish clans, the original members of the family were renowned for their strength and bravery. Their ranks included mhic an Bhaird, a bard, or retelling of family histories, and many legendary soldiers who fought for Irish freedom.
Today, Shannessys are found in many places around the world, and some of them still live in the family ancestral homelands. Shannessy is a proud Irish name that carries a deep sense of tradition, honour and loyalty. It remains a popular name in Ireland and beyond, and it is a strong reminder that family and heritage are truly indispensable.
Order DNA origin analysisShannessy: Where does the name Shannessy come from?
Shannessy is a surname that originated in Ireland. It is one of the many Irish surnames, and it is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic Ui Seanasaigh, which translates to "descendants of Seanasach". The name is still common throughout Ireland today, however it is also found in parts of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In the United States, the name Shannessy is most common in the Northeast, particularly in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. According to US Census data, it is the 584th most common surname in the United States, with around 4,761 people carrying the name.
The surname is also found in parts of Canada, particularly in Quebec. In Ottawa, it is the 1830th most common family name. In Ontario, it ranks as the province's 1374th most frequent surname, with around 1,119 people carrying the name.
In Australia, the name Shannessy is the 870th most common family name with roughly 642 people carrying the name. Furthermore, in parts of the United Kingdom the surname is found, largely in Scotland, with the name appearing as the 1890th most common family name in England, the 992nd most common in Wales, and the 1215th most popular surname in Scotland.
Variations of the surname Shannessy
The surname Shannessy is an anglicized version of the Irish name O'Seanasaigh. The surname originates from the sept of the Uí Seanaisaigh in County Limerick, where it is still most commonly found.
Variations of the surname include O'Shannessy (in its original Irish form), Shannessy, Shanassy, Shanassy, Shanesaigh, and Hannesy. These variants can also be found with different spellings such as O'Shanesaigh, Shanessy, Shannassy, and Hannesy.
The surname may also be spelt in different ways, depending on the dialect in which it is spoken. The name may appear as Shannesy in parts of Ulster, Sannesse in other parts of Ireland, and Shannasey in some parts of Scotland.
One common derivative of the surname is the diminutive form Shannessy's, son of Shannessy. This variant is particularly common in County Limerick, where it may be found in a variety of spellings, including Shanassas, Shanasseys, and Shanesas.
Other surnames of similar origin include O'Shannacass, Shannaca, Shannagh, and Shanna. These surnames are all derived from the same sept of Uí Seanaisaigh, and all are derivatives of the original anglicized surname Shannessy.
Famous people with the name Shannessy
- Gerard Shannesy: An Irish actor best known for his roles in multiple films directed by the Coen Bros., including "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "Burn After Reading."
- Marilyn Shannessy: An American film and television actress best known for her roles in the CBS prime time soap opera Dallas.
- James Shannessy: A former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Victorian Football League's Collingwood Football Club.
- Jacinta Shannessy: Irish actress best known for her performances in films such as ‘Brave New World’ and ‘Waking Ned Devine’.
- Edward Shannessy: A former Irish politician who served as a member of the Seanad from 1982 to 1989.
- Kevin Shannessy: A former assistant coach for the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team.
- Brian Shannessy: Canadian actor and comedian, best known for his roles in films such as ‘Just Friends’ and ‘American Pie 2’.
- Stephen Shannessy: An American actor best known for his roles in television shows such as ‘All My Children’ and ‘The Resident’.
- Teagan Shannessy: An American film and television actress best known for her appearances in the films ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Lebanese Chicks’.
- Brian Shannessy: An Australian voiceover artist, writer, and broadcaster best known for his voiceover work in various television commercials and films.