HENNESSEY
Hennessey
Hennessey is an Anglo-Saxon surname with its origins dating back to medieval England. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old English personal name 'Heonnes' and the word 'eg', which means island. The name therefore signifies "Heonnes's island".
Origins
The surname Hennessey is most commonly associated with English, Irish, and Scottish heritage. It is thought to have originated in the Celtic regions of the British Isles, particularly in Ireland where it is often considered an anglicised form of the Gaelic name "Ó hAonghusa", meaning "descendant of Angus".
Distribution
The distribution of the Hennessey surname within the United Kingdom is widespread, with notable concentrations in areas such as London, Dublin, and Edinburgh. The name has also been prominent in counties such as Cork and Kerry in Ireland.
Notable Bearers
Over the centuries, individuals bearing the Hennessey surname have made significant contributions to various fields including politics, sports, and the arts. Notable bearers include:
- Richard Hennessey (1769-1850) - An Irish entrepreneur and founder of the iconic Jameson Irish Whiskey brand.
- Kathleen Hennessey - A renowned British author known for her works on historical fiction.
- Tom Hennessey (b. 1985) - A Scottish footballer who has played for the national team.
The Hennessey surname continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the rich history and heritage associated with this ancient British moniker.
There are approximately 2,574 people named Hennessey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,438th most common surname in Britain. Around 40 in a million people in Britain are named Hennessey.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Janet
- Julie
- Laura
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Pauline
- Sarah
- Sian
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.