Manx surnames are surnames which originate on the Isle of Man. The general make up of Manx surnames reflects the recorded history of the island, which can be divided into three different eras - Gaelic, Norse, and English. In consequence most Manx surnames are derived from the Gaelic, Norse, and English languages. During the first era of recorded history the island was occupied by Celtic speaking peoples. Irish missionaries later Christianised the island. By the 9th century Norse Vikings (generally from Norway) ruled the island. By the 13th century the island became a possession of the Kingdom of Scotland and also at times under the Kingdom of England. In time the island came under direct domination of the English, and as a result became open to immigration from the British mainland.
Very few Manx surnames are recorded prior to the arrival of the Stanleys in 1405. The majority of early surnames are recorded in the Manorial Rolls dating from 1510-1513. More recent sources of surnames are Parish records which began at the beginning of the 17th century.
Arthur William Moore analysed the origin of Manx surnames in use at the beginning of the 19th century. Of 170 surnames, about 100 (65 percent) are of Celtic origin, about 30 (17.5 percent) were of Norse-Gaelic origin.
Read more about Manx Surnames: Gaelic, Norse and English Eras, Patronymics and The Loss of The Prefix Mac, See Also