The Ronan Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

(Crest No. 151. Plate 22.)

THE Ronan family was descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Maine, ancestor of the Southern Hy Nials and son of Nial of the Nine Hostages, King of Ireland, A. D. 379. The ancient name was Ronain, which signifies “Strong” or “Fat.”

The possessions of the sept were located in the present Counties of Cork and Mayo. Families of this name were also settled in the Counties of Waterford, Meath, and Roscommon. O’Ronan is still common as a family name in many parts of Ireland, but the “O” is never prefixed in the Anglicized form, which is Ronane in the South of Ireland.

This family has given many eminent ecclesiastics to the Irish Church, and many others of them have been noted for their talent and learning.

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