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Last Name Greany

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What is the origin of the last name Greany?

The surname Greany is of Irish origin, specifically from County Mayo in the western province of Connacht. It is derived from a number of places bearing this name, such as Baile Greanainn (modern-day Ballina), which means "town of the greens," or Baile Ghreáine (modern-day Ballygreany), meaning "town of the little green one." The name may also be associated with the Irish word "greann" meaning "green," indicating a person living near a green area, or a nickname for someone with green eyes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Greany

The meaning and origin of the last name Greany

The surname Greany is an Anglicized variant of the Irish name Ó Grianaigh or Mac Gréine, which means 'descendant of Gréine' or 'son of Gréine'. The given name Gréine comes from the Old Irish word "gréin", meaning 'sun'. The name was primarily borne by septs of County Mayo and County Clare in Ireland. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved due to Norman and English influence, resulting in variations such as Greene, Green, Grinane, and Greany. This surname, like many Irish names, was a part of the rich cultural heritage brought by the Irish diaspora to various parts of the world, including Britain, North America, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Greany

The surname Greany is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, and Galway, which are located in the west of the country. This region is known for its rich Gaelic culture, where surnames like Greany originated during the medieval period as a way to identify families and clans. Outside Ireland, small populations with the Greany surname can be found in other English-speaking countries, primarily due to Irish migration, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when many Irish people emigrated to places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Britain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Greany

The surname Greany can have various spellings and minor variants due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Here are some possible variations:

* Greany
* Greaney
* Greenea
* Greeneigh
* Granea
* Graneigh
* Greenia
* Greenieh
* Grenee
* Grenigh

These variations stem from the original Irish name Ó Gréine, which means "descendant of Gréine," a personal name derived from the word "gréine" meaning "sun." In some cases, the spelling may have been altered due to anglicization or assimilation into different linguistic and cultural contexts.

Famous people with the last name Greany

The Greene family has been renowned for producing several notable figures across various fields. One of the most distinguished is Martin Greenberg (1927-2011), an American editor and anthologist who was instrumental in shaping science fiction, fantasy, and mystery genres through his extensive work on anthologies and collaborations with authors such as Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury. In the world of sports, there's Shane Greene (born 1989), a professional baseball pitcher who played for multiple Major League Baseball teams, including the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees. Additionally, in the realm of academia, Mary Ellen Greene, an epidemiologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, is recognized for her contributions to the study of Chagas disease and public health. While these are notable figures, it's essential to note that there may be other notable individuals with the last name Greene in various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Greany

The surname Greany originates from Ireland and is primarily found in counties Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. Historically, it is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic Ó Graíne, meaning "descendant of Grania," a female personal name. This name was anglicized as Greany during the British rule in Ireland.

One notable figure with this surname is John Joseph Greany (1894-1967), an Irish soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

In genealogical records, variations such as Greene, Grainey, and Grany may also be encountered, due to differences in spelling and transliteration over time. Researching the Greany lineage often involves delving into Irish records from the 18th and 19th centuries, including census data, church records, and military service files.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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