RONAYNE Family History

Recorded as O' Ronan, Ronan, and Ronayne, this is an Irish surname. Although now quite rare it is of great antiquity. The clan were for many years 'erenaghs'. That was a status word which indicated minor nobility, erenaghs being hereditary land owners who were responsible for the adminstration and operation of church lands and property in any given area. In this case the O' Ronans were erenaghs of Clondalkin in County Dublin, and it is believed that they held that post until about the 14th century.