24.03.08
Geneology - The McNulty Clan
I’m far from a geneologist, though I enjoy getting updated McNulty family trees from the geneology the my Aunty does. However I’ve recently been sent a document entitled: “Origin of the Surname, McNulty, and its Association with the cDonlevys/Dunleavys of County Down” written by a Paul McNulty PhD.
This is the summary, how much do you know about your family?
It is generally accepted that the McNulty surname is derived from the MacDonlevys/Dunleavys who fled early Ulster (primarily County Down) after their defeat by the Anglo-Normans in 1177. Some of the Dunleavys who migrated westward to Donegal became known as Ultach and some of their descendants assumed the name, Mac an Ultaigh, son of the Ulsterman.
The first record of the name, McNulty, appeared in the Four Masters in 1281 when Murtough Macan-Ulty was among the distinguished slain at the battle of Desertcreagh in County Tyrone. However, the surname transformation to Mac an Ultaigh/McNulty was not confirmed until 1601 when a pardon was granted by Elizabeth to a yeoman, Morris m’Nich. Ultagh. Further confirmation was apparent through the similarity of their coats of arms although it is more likely that the McNulty arms was a modified replica of the MacDonlevy arms.
DNA analysis, on the other hand, revealed a divergence of the McNulty and Dunleavy genes suggesting that the surname, McNulty, could have been derived from other Gaelic families who migrated from early Ulster. Analysis of the so called 1659 Census and Griffith’s Valuation (1848-1864) revealed that the Dunleavys and the McNultys were well represented in Mayo, Donegal, Sligo, Armagh and Down. The exceptions were the McNulty/Nulty strongholds of Tyrone, Meath, Leitrim and Cavan where the Dunleavys have little presence.
An outline of the ancient and early genealogy of the Dunleavys leading to the possible evolution of the McNulty name is presented. Further research into medieval history as well as genetic profiling may provide more information on the origin of the various McNulty septs based on the presumption that they are derived from Gaelic families who migrated from early Ulster.
A line that goes back some 830 years, not bad huh? Oh and here’s the McNulty Coat of Arms mentioned:
Aunty Eileen said,
April 20, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Funny what you find on the internet when you google McNulty family, isn’t it!
Colin McNulty said,
April 22, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Hehe, hi Eileen!
Thomas F. "Tucker" McNulty said,
July 16, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I wanted to get a signet ring made of the “McNulty” family coat of arms and was not sure what to use. I have seen a different crest.
John Woodrick said,
August 9, 2008 at 10:17 am
I am attempting to find the birthplace of my great, great, grandfather, HUGH McNULTY, who in 1823 was convicted in County Lietrim of stealing a horse and sent to Australia (my home), from Cork on the ‘Medina’. His subsequent family here has grown, but we do not know his birthplace. Can anyone tell me of the relevant
department to contact in Ireland?
Thank you for any help.
John
Colin McNulty said,
August 14, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Hi Tucker,
Can you post up the crest you’ve seen with details of where you found it please?
Hi John,
I know that my branch of the McNulty’s originated in Sligo. So you could try the County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Centre.
Good luck and do let me know how it goes. I have a family tree with about 100 names on. Should try to post it up here on day….
Colin