Surname McEneny - Meaning and Origin

McEneny: What does the surname McEneny mean?

The surname McEneny is of Irish origin and comes from the Gaelic Mac an Eanaigh, meaning "son of the bird". The name refers to a metaphorical attribute or nickname of the original bearer, suggesting someone who was free-spirited or fast-moving like a bird. The name is quite rare and has been historically associated with Counties Kerry and Donegal in Ireland. Like many other surnames, McEneny has seen various spellings throughout history, including McEnaney, McAneny, McIneny, and others. However, the essence of the name and its meaning remains tied to its Gaelic roots. This name represents a vibrant part of Ireland's cultural heritage and its underlying belief in the magic of nature and lore.

McEneny: Where does the name McEneny come from?

The surname McEneny is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Cionnaith' which translates to 'son of Cionnaith'. Some other variants or synonyms of this surname include McKenna, McKinney, or Kenny.

Traditionally, this surname was common in Ulster, one of the ancient provinces in the north of Ireland. However, the forced emigration due to political and economic reasons has now scattered descendants of the original Mac Cionnaith widely.

Today, this name is found in numerous countries where Irish people have emigrated over the centuries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, in terms of proportion relative to the population, it is most common in Ireland. In particular, it can often be found in County Monaghan, where the McKenna clan was historically powerful. Ultimately though, as with many Irish names, it is relatively rare globally.

Variations of the surname McEneny

The surname McEneny is of Irish origin and comes from the Gaelic word "Mac an Eanaigh", which means "son of the birdlike one". Variations of this surname include McEnaney, McAneny, McIneny, MacEneny, Macaneny, Macenany, McEnenny, McEnany and MacEnany. It is also sometimes Anglicized as Bird or even as Magennis, though these are less common.

These variations in spelling arose due to the various ways Gaelic names were translated to English historically, especially during the time of wider English-speaking influence and after the British colonization of Ireland. Phonetic and regional differences also contributed to the different spellings. Overall, the different spellings of McEneny all have the same origin and similar meanings attached to them.

Famous people with the name McEneny

• John McEneny: former assemblyman and politician.
• Ed McEneny: former New York State Assembly member and Senate Majority Leader.
• John R. McEneny: former mayor of Albany, New York.
• Michael McEneny: former Assembly member and Albany Common Council member.
• Hugh McEneny: former publisher of the Albany Times Union.
• Pat McEneny: former Albany Common Council member.
• John D. McEneny: former state attorney general in New York.
• Anna McEneny: former Albany Common Council member.
• Paul McEneny: former member of the New York State Assembly.
• Mike McEneny: current Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly.
• Brigid McEneny: former Albany Common Council member.
• Matthew McEneny: former Director of the Open Space Institute.
• Liam McEneny: internationally acclaimed visual artist.
• Brien McEneny: former member of the New York State Assembly.
• Malcolm McEneny: former Albany County Legislator.
• Eileen McEneny: former Chair of the Albany County Legislature.
• Christina McEneny: former Albany Common Council member.
• Timothy McEneny: sculptor and artist.
• Richard McEneny: former mayor of Albany, New York.
• Katherine McEneny: former Albany Common Council member.

Other surnames

McEneanyMcEnellyMcEnerneyMcEnery

Comments or additions to the name "McEneny"

27.04.2024
Liam McEneny - Pilot Aer Lingus
Kevin McEneny - Director
Holly McEneny - Famous Lawyer