MACNAMARA
Also recorded as Mac Namara, Macnamara
MacNamara
MacNamara /mækˈnæmərə/ is a surname of Irish origin that is associated with Gaelic-speaking people in Ireland. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Conmara," meaning "son of the hound of the sea."
Origins
The MacNamara surname has roots in County Clare, in the western part of Ireland. The MacNamara clan was historically prominent in this region, with the family holding vast land estates and playing significant roles in local politics and society.
History
The MacNamara family has a rich history of military service and political involvement, with many members contributing to various aspects of Irish life over the centuries. Their stronghold, known as MacNamara's Castle, was a symbol of their power and influence in the region.
Distribution
The MacNamara surname is widely distributed, with descendants of the clan found not only in Ireland but also in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Irish diaspora populations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Notable People
- Brian MacNamara (b. 1960): An Irish actor known for his roles in film and television.
- Lisa MacNamara (b. 1975): A British artist renowned for her innovative textile designs.
Legacy
The MacNamara surname continues to be a source of pride for those who bear it, symbolising a connection to Ireland's rich cultural and historical heritage.
References
- O'Hart, John. "Irish Pedigrees: Or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation," 1892.
- Woulfe, Patrick. "Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames," 1923.
There are approximately 1,027 people named MacNamara in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,216th most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named MacNamara.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Angela
- Ann
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jillian
- Linda
- Lucy
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rosemary
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.