The McMenamins are a branch of the O'Donnells of Tyrconnell (Donegal) and are part of the Sil Lugdach, descendants of Lugaid mac Sétnai, the great-grandson of Conall Gulban.
They were supplanted in their home territory of Fanad by the Sweeneys and over the centuries became more distantly related to the royal line of the Cenél Conaill.
During the Cromwellian campaigns in Ireland many McMenamins dispersed to Mayo, particularly around Tonragee, Ballycroy and Achill, this area had ancient links with the O'Donnells.
An Gorta Mór (The Irish Famine) affected Ulster to a lesser extent than the rest of Ireland, but we still find 100 McMenamins disembarking at the port of New York from 1845-52.
The name has given rise to many variants some of which are : McMeanmain, McMenamy, McMenemey, McMeneny, McManamon, McMenamon, McManaman, McMinn Notable people with the surname include: