This ancient clan surname is recorded in the spellings of MacInerney, McInerney, McErney, and the variants Norheny, Nerney, Nertney, etc. The name originates in the province of Connaught and derives from the ancient Gaelic pre 10th century 'Mac Erenagh' meaning 'The son of the lay lord '. In pre-medieval times the 'erenagh' was a hereditary Lord of the church, one who held high secular office and property on behalf of the church, and collected all rents and tithes arising from those properties. Following the Norman Invasion of Ireland in 1170, these hereditary positions were gradually terminated, but even as late as the 17th century the 'Mac Inerney' clan was a considerable power.
Originally centred on the barony of Bunratty, with the main estate at Ballycally, they opposed the forces of 'The Pale', and suffered grievously as a result. Father MacInherney (see below) was considered to be the spiritual leader of the clan, and he paid the penalty with his life. Interesting recordings of the surname include Patrick McInerney, aged 24, and his sister Mary (22), who embarked on the ship 'Shamrock of Limerick' bound for New York, on June 16th 1847. They were amongst the first to escape the dreaded 'Potato Famine'. Other recordings are those of Ellen McErney of Ballyleague, County Roscommon, christened there on May 1st 1864, and James, son of John and Mary Nertney, christened at Strokestown, on October 29th 1864. The clan coat of arms has the blazon of three lions passant, armed and langed in blue, on a white field. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Father Lawrence MacInherney, which was dated 1642, executed by government forces at Limerick, during the reign of King Charles 1, known as 'The martyr', 1625 - 1649. 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.
Discovering the historical roots of nertney is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname nertney, and in addition to the original locations of nertney, we can find out where people with the surname nertney can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of nertney.
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 nertney. The mobility of people carrying the surname nertney has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The historical chronicle of nertney is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname nertney are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname nertney.
We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname nertney, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname nertney or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of nertney.
It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished nertneys throughout human history. A surname like nertney can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname nertney, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.
Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of nertney. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname nertney, as well as many other surnames. 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 nertney.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of nertney, and at the same time, of surnames in general.