Surname Banaghan - Meaning and Origin
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Banaghan: What does the surname Banaghan mean?
The surname Banaghan is an Irish surname of Norman origin. The surname is derived from the Gaelic 'O'Banachain' which means 'descendants of Banchan'. Banchan is a personal name that was used by the ancient Celts and was derived from the Old Irish 'bana' which literally means 'white'.
The Banaghan family lived in County Mayo near the town of Ballina and were a powerful force in the area for centuries. They held large amounts of lands in the area and members of the family went on to become leaders in both local and national politics as well as a prominent figures in the Church.
Today, the Banaghan surname is still quite common in Ireland, although the family is now dispersed across the world. It is found mostly in North America, Australia and other countries in the British Isles.
The modern Banaghan family are proud of their heritage and their contribution to Irish culture and society and continue to contribute to it through their artistic and political endeavours. The surname is also still an important reminder of the rich history of Ireland and an example of how its ancient people left a lasting legacy of strength and resourcefulness that still reverberates today.
Order DNA origin analysisBanaghan: Where does the name Banaghan come from?
The last name Banaghan is most commonly found in Ireland today. The name is most common within the County Leitrim, as well as in areas of surrounding counties including Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, and Longford.
The name Banaghan originated as an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'O' Banachain', which translated means 'descendant of the white or smooth man'. This surname is believed to have been derived from a personal name which translates as “smooth” or “white”. In western Ireland, the recorded history of the surname dates back to the 12th Century.
One of the earliest references to the surname Banaghan is found in the Annals of the Four Masters, a collection of annals compiled by Irish monks in the 17th Century. In this book, the O Banachain family is described as a powerful clan at the time of the Norman Invasion in the 12th Century.
In more modern times, the last name Banaghan is most commonly found in Ireland. This makes sense, as Irish immigrations to other parts of the world often changed their last names due to the difficulty of spelling or pronouncing them in their new country of residence. This is likely why the last name is so rare outside of Ireland.
Variations of the surname Banaghan
The surname Banaghan is derived from the Gaelic Ó Bánagáin which translates as ‘descendants of Bánagáin’. This surname originated in County Clare, Ireland, and is possibly derived from the Gaelic word ‘bán’ or ‘bánag’ which can mean ‘white’ or ‘fair’.
Variants of the surname Banaghan include Bannaghan, Bannigan, Banoghan, Bannockburn, Banix, Bannachan, Bannagh, Bannochan, Baonegan and Bainihan.
Spellings of the surname Banaghan can include Baunaghan, Banican, Baniegean, Bannoghan, Bonigan, O'Bannygan, Boinagan and Bunhagan.
Surnames of the same origin as Banaghan include Hehir, O’Hehir, Hennegan, O’Hennegan, O’Honaghan, Honohan, Banon, O’Bannion, Bonahaw, Bonagaw, and O’Bannagh.
In the United States, the name has been mostly anglicised to Banaghan, however, other spellings including Bannaghan, Bannigan, and Banigan are also seen.
While the surname is still predominantly found in Ireland, it is also common in Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Banaghan
- Daniel Banaghan: Irish actor best known for his roles in The Wind that Shakes the Barley and Bad Day for the Cut.
- Vicky Banaghan: British actress best known for her roles in EastEnders, Doctors and Merlin.
- Alex Banaghan: Scottish actor and presenter best known for presenting Cluedo on the BBC.
- Monique Banaghan: French actress best known for appearing in the TV movies Camille and In Search of the Cobra.
- John Banaghan: Australian actor and comedian best known for his work on Good News Week and The Footy Show.
- Kit Banaghan: British actor best known for his roles in House of Cards, Doctor Who and Heartbeat.
- Timothy Banaghan: American actor best known for appearing in films such as Freedom Writers and Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1.
- Shannon Banaghan: Canadian actress best known for her role as Detective Ellen Sanders in the television series Motive.
- Dean Banaghan: British actor best known for his roles in Coronation Street and No Offence.
- Lisa Banaghan: Canadian actress best known for her roles in The Chronicles of Riddick and The Killing.