Surname McConahay - Meaning and Origin

McConahay: What does the surname McConahay mean?

The last name McConahay is an Irish name, and comes from the Gaelic Mac Conchobhair, which translates to “son of Conchobor.” Conchobor was a popular personal name in ancient Ireland, and signifies either “lusty wolf,” “strong will,” or “helpful force.”

McConahay is believed to be a branch of the once powerful Muintir Maolmordha family, who dominated East Breifne (modern day County Cavan and County Leitrim) during the Middle Ages. The McConahay’s were originally associated with Clan Murchadha. During the late 19th century, members of the McConahay family were recorded as having held lands in the barony of Tibohine, County Roscommon.

Today, the McConahay name is common in the United States, and apart from spelling variations, is usually rendered as MacConaghy. The name is respected in Ireland as well, where those bearing the name as nobility have received prestigious awards. Many well-known Irish Americans, including Thomas P. Cobley and Congressman Patrick McConahay, have been able to trace their lineage back to the powerful Breifne family.

McConahay: Where does the name McConahay come from?

The last name McConahay is primarily of Irish and Scottish descent and is considered to be a rare name today. Commonly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland in the counties of Antrim and Derry, the name has spread to other parts of the British Isles, appearing in counties such as Dublin, Cork, and Monaghan.

Outside of the British Isles, the name is most often found in North America in various states of the U.S. and in Canada. In the United States, the last name McConahay is most often found in Nevada, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming, and New Mexico. In Canada, the name is most widely seen in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.

Outside of North America, it is most commonly found in Australia, appearing in the states of New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. The McConahay name is also found in regions of Europe, including England, where it is more prominent in the southern counties of Kent and Sussex.

Although not common today, the name McConahay continues to appear in records throughout the world. It likely derives from an old Gaelic language and has maintained throughout the years, albeit in a subtler form. Even today, it is still recognized as a unique and special surname with rich roots to its native homeland.

Variations of the surname McConahay

The surname McConahay is a variation of the Irish Mac Conchúbhair, meaning “son of Conchúbhar.” It originated with families from the Limerick area of Ireland. The various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:

• MacConahay

McConahay

McKonahay

• MacConachie

McConchie

McKonchie

• MacConachy

McConachy

McKonachy

• MacConachy

McKonachy

Mackonchy

• MacConaughy

McConaughy

McKonaughy

• MacConkey

McConkey

McKonkey

• MacConoghy

McConoghy

McKonoghy

• MacConoughey

McConoughey

McKonoughey

• MacConn

McConn

McKonn

• MacConnaghy

McConnaghy

McKonnaghy

• MacConnaughey

McConnaughey

McKonnaughey

• MacConnee

McConnee

McKonnee

• MacConnehey

McConnehey

McKonnehey

• MacConney

McConney

McKonney

• MacConnolly

McConnolly

McKonnolly

• MacConnochie

McConnochie

McKonnochie

• MacConnon

McConnon

McKonnon

• MacConvery

McConvery

McKonvery

• MacCown

McCown

McKown

• MaCowne

McOwne

McKowne

• MacCowney

McCowney

McKowney

• MaceConaghy

McEconaghy

McKeconaghy

• Maconaghy

Mconaghy

Mckonaghy

• Maconahay

Mconahay

Mckonahay

Famous people with the name McConahay

• Amy McConahay: an American actress and producer.
• Stephen C. McConahay: a former U.S. Congressman and Jones County District Judge.
• Noel McConahay: the first woman to serve on the Texas Public Utility Commission.
• Tom McConahay: an American writer and producer.
• William McConahay: an American comedian, writer, producer, and actor.
• Joseph McConahay: an NCAA Division III Women's Soccer coach at Canisius College.
• Debra McConahay: a basketball player and coach at the University of Houston.
• Michael McConahay: an American film and television actor.
• Kathryn McConahay: a former women's basketball coach at the University of Florida.
• J. Cameron McConahay: an American television producer.

Other surnames

McConahey