The surname "Monahan" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /mɑnəhæn/. The first syllable starts with the sound "m" followed by the vowel sound "a" as in "father." The second syllable contains the vowel sound "ə" as in "about," followed by the consonant sound "h" and then the vowel sound "æ" as in "cat." This phonetic transcription reflects the pronunciation of the name Monahan as mon-ə-hæn, with the stress falling on the second syllable.
Monahan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Manacháin," meaning "descendant of the monk." The name is predominantly found in Ireland and often associated with County Offaly. It is primarily a patronymic name, indicating that it was traditionally used to identify the descendants of a particular male ancestor.
As a traditional Irish surname, Monahan carries historical significance within Irish culture. Throughout generations, families with the name have contributed to various aspects of society, including politics, literature, and the arts. The name has also spread to other countries as a result of Irish emigration, particularly during periods of economic hardship.
In contemporary usage, the name Monahan continues to be associated with individuals and families of Irish descent. It serves as a marker of heritage and signifies a connection to Irish roots. As with many surnames, individuals bearing this name often bear a sense of pride in their ancestry and cultural identity.
Additionally, Monahan may also be used as a given name for boys. In this context, it does not have any specific dictionary definition but would typically serve as a personal name without any inherent meaning beyond being synonymous with the surname.
The surname "Monahan" is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Maonaigh", which means "descendant of Maonach". The personal name "Maonach" is believed to be derived from the Old Irish word "maon", meaning "wealth" or "treasure". The prefix "Ó" signifies "descendant of" or "grandson of", indicating that the original bearers of the name were part of a particular family or clan. Over time, as Irish names were anglicized, "Ó Maonaigh" became "Monahan" in English.