Origin of the surname Macnamara

This famous Irish name hails from County Clare where it is extremely prevalent. The sept of MacNamara was, after the O' Briens, the most important and powerful of the dalcassians of Thomond. They were hereditary marshals to the O' Briens and had the privilege of inaugurating the chief of the O' Briens, who was often a king. The Irish form of this name is MacConmara and is derived from the words 'cu', hound and 'na mara' of the sea, and was once connected with the forename Cumara, which was the name of the ancestor of the sept who was twenty-third in descent from Cormac Cas, King of Cashel (900-908).

The sept in due course became two, the chief of West Clancullen, MacNamara Fyne (i.e., 'fionn', fair) and the chief of East Clancullen, MacNamara Reagh (i.e., Riabhach swarthy or grizzled). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas MacNamara, which was dated 1680, in County Clare, during the reign of King Charles 11, known as 'The Merry Monarch', 1660-1685. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling

The surname Macnamara. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Discovering the historical roots of macnamara is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. The history of the surname macnamara is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of macnamara. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of macnamara.

The surname Macnamara around the world

Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname macnamara. It is common for surnames like macnamara to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones.

History of Macnamara

The historical chronicle of macnamara is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The historical journey of the surname macnamara can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of macnamara. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname macnamara.

We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname macnamara, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname macnamara, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames.

Notable Figures Named Macnamara

It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished macnamaras throughout human history. Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all macnamaras who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. If you or someone you know bears the surname macnamara, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname macnamara who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Macnamara and its bibliographic sources

Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of macnamara. It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname macnamara. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of macnamara.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of macnamara, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Macnamara