Menu Check out your Irish Roots and get help with your genealogy research

Irish surname - Agnew

The Irish surname Agnew has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the Gaelic words "O'Gniomh" or "O'Gnimh," which mean "descendant of Gnimh." The Agnew family is believed to have originated from the Ulster region of Ireland and was among the early settlers in Scotland.

The Agnew family is known for their bravery, loyalty, and determination, traits that are often associated with the Scottish and Irish cultures. The family played a prominent role in the Scottish Wars of Independence and fought alongside the famous William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Over the centuries, the Agnew family has produced many notable figures in various fields, including politics, business, and the arts.

Famous People with Agnew Surname

Spiro Theodore Agnew was an American politician who served as the 39th Vice President of the United States from 1969 to 1973. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to a Greek father and a Scottish-Irish mother.

James Agnew was a Scottish footballer who played for several clubs, including Dundee United and Motherwell. He was born in Dumfries, Scotland, in 1948.

John Agnew is a political geographer and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1949.

Daniel Agnew was a 19th-century Irish artist known for his landscape paintings. He was born in Dublin in 1858.

William Agnew was a British art dealer and collector who owned one of the largest art galleries in London during the late 19th century.

Variations of the Agnew Surname

Agne, Agnue, MacAgnew used in Scotland, means "son of Agnew, Agneau and Agneaux variations are of French origin.

Agnew Coat of Arms

Top left and bottom right quarters of the shield feature a red background with a gold cross, top right and bottom left quarters feature a silver background with a black boar's head. The crest is a boar's head.

Agnew Motto

"Consilio et animis" which translates to "By wisdom and courage."

Please Note

There is often limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for an Irish surname. Sometimes there are many variations, sometimes none, we have compiled a representative, but by no means exhaustive, selection. Please visit our Coat of Arms and Motto page for more information.

DNA And Your Irish Roots

 

Interesting Irish Connections