NameCensus.

UK surname

Munnelly

Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Muiniligh referring to someone from Munilly, a place name.

In the 1881 census there were 3 people recorded with the Munnelly surname, ranking it #33,498 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 406, ranked #11,754, up from #33,498 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cambridge, Sandwell and Lincoln.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Munnelly is 418 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 13433.3%.

1881 census count

3

Ranked #33,498

Modern count

406

2016, ranked #11,754

Peak year

2010

418 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Munnelly had 3 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,498 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 406 in 2016, ranked #11,754.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 35 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Munnelly surname distribution map

The map shows where the Munnelly surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Munnelly surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Munnelly over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1861 historical 26 #30,677
1881 historical 3 #33,498
1891 historical 12 #33,181
1901 historical 6 #33,591
1911 historical 35 #29,478
1997 modern 376 #11,533
1998 modern 380 #11,827
1999 modern 382 #11,843
2000 modern 370 #12,078
2001 modern 376 #11,753
2002 modern 399 #11,460
2003 modern 384 #11,589
2004 modern 370 #11,936
2005 modern 368 #11,926
2006 modern 374 #11,822
2007 modern 391 #11,570
2008 modern 394 #11,622
2009 modern 415 #11,386
2010 modern 418 #11,582
2011 modern 418 #11,440
2012 modern 371 #12,396
2013 modern 402 #11,871
2014 modern 406 #11,865
2015 modern 401 #11,889
2016 modern 406 #11,754

Geography

Back to top

Where Munnellys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cambridge, Sandwell and Lincoln. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cambridge 013 Cambridge
2 Sandwell 022 Sandwell
3 Cambridge 010 Cambridge
4 Cambridge 009 Cambridge
5 Lincoln 003 Lincoln

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Munnelly

These lists show first names that appear often with the Munnelly surname in historical and recent records.

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Munnelly

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Munnelly, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Munnelly surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Munnelly household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Munnelly is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Munnelly is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Munnelly falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Munnelly is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Irish

This describes the area pattern most associated with Munnelly, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Munnelly

The surname Munnelly is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic personal name Muineallach, which means "belonging to the neck" or "a stout-necked person." This name likely emerged in the 13th or 14th century in Ireland.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Munnelly surname can be found in the Fiants of the Tudor Sovereigns during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the late 16th century. The Fiants were legal documents issued by the English administration in Ireland, and they mention individuals with the surname Munnelly residing in County Kilkenny.

The Munnelly surname was particularly prominent in the Irish Midlands, especially in counties such as Offaly, Westmeath, and Laois. Several variants of the spelling existed, including Munnely, Munelly, and Munely, reflecting the fluid nature of surname spellings during that time.

In the 17th century, the Munnelly family had strong ties to the town of Birr (also known as Parsonstown) in County Offaly. The Munnelly Clan was recognized as a prominent family in the area, and their name was associated with several notable individuals.

One such individual was Brian Munnelly, a prominent landowner and military leader who fought alongside the Irish Confederate Catholics during the Irish Confederate Wars of the 1640s. He played a significant role in the defense of Birr against the Parliamentarian forces.

Another noteworthy figure was Patrick Munnelly, born in 1765 in Birr, County Offaly. He was a prominent scholar and linguist who made significant contributions to the study of Irish language and literature. His work helped preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.

In the 19th century, the Munnelly surname continued to be associated with County Offaly. John Munnelly, born in 1820, was a respected lawyer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the King's County (now County Offaly) in the British House of Commons.

The Munnelly name also gained recognition in the literary world with the writer and poet Michael Munnelly, born in 1875 in Birr. His works, which often explored the rural life and landscapes of Ireland, were widely acclaimed and helped establish him as a prominent figure in the Irish literary renaissance of the early 20th century.

While the Munnelly surname has its roots in Ireland, it has since spread to other parts of the world through emigration. However, its historical significance remains deeply rooted in the Irish Midlands, where it has left an indelible mark on the region's culture and heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Munnelly families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Munnelly surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Staffordshire leads with 3 Munnellys recorded in 1881 and an index of 30.43x.

County Total Index
Staffordshire 3 30.43x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Bilston in Staffordshire leads with 3 Munnellys recorded in 1881 and an index of 1578.95x.

Place Total Index
Bilston 3 1578.95x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Munnelly surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Sarah 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Munnelly surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Edward 1
John 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Munnelly households.

Occupation Count
Boatman 1
Laborer On Railway 1

FAQ

Munnelly surname: questions and answers

How common was the Munnelly surname in 1881?

In 1881, 3 people were recorded with the Munnelly surname. That placed it at #33,498 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Munnelly surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 406 in 2016. That gives Munnelly a modern rank of #11,754.

What does the Munnelly surname mean?

Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Muiniligh referring to someone from Munilly, a place name.

What does the Munnelly map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Munnelly bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.