Surname Devany - Meaning and Origin

Devany: What does the surname Devany mean?

The last name Devany is an Irish surname with a variety of possible meanings and origins. As an Anglicised name adapted from the Irish Gaelic language, one possible origin of the name is from the phrase “de Bhain”, meaning “son or descendant of the fair one” or “son of the fair-haired”. This is likely derived from the Gaelic word “bain”, meaning “white or fair”. It may have also been adapted from the Old Norse name “Dufni”, meaning “person from the dark meadow”.

The name Devany is also found in Scottish records, but is less common in Ireland. Here, it may have been derived from a personal name or taken from a place name. Furthermore, the name could be a variant of the Gaelic name “Duibhne”, meaning “blessed one”.

In any case, the Devany surname is found in a variety of regions that were all heavily influenced by both Gaelic and Old Norse cultures. As such, the true meaning and origin of the name is shrouded in a mixture of cultural and linguistic influences.

Devany: Where does the name Devany come from?

The last name Devany is most commonly found in Ireland. It is a variant of the Irish name O Duibhne. This Irish clan was found in counties Mayo, Westmeath and Galway in the 15th century. It was thought to have descended from a one Duibhne who was the son of Scealpghaill Mac Hallan, the first king of Uí Fiachrach Muaide.

In modern times, Devany is still a fairly common Irish last name, and can be found across the island of Ireland – especially in the counties of Mayo and Galway. It can also be found in parts of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

The Devany surname remains a common one in the United States of America. In fact, more than 5,000 individuals with the Devany surname are currently listed in the United States. Many can be found in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New York.

Devany is also common in several other countries across South America, Asia, Europe and Africa – including Argentina, France, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and Uruguay.

Variations of the surname Devany

The surname Devany is an Irish variant of the more common Devaney. Devany is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Daimhín, which is derived from the Gaelic term ‘daimh’, meaning ‘stag’.

Variant spellings of Devany include Devaney, Davany, Deveny, Daveny, Deveney, Deveny, and Davaney.

Common surnames with similar spellings or meanings include but are not limited to Devin,divin,Divine, and Devine.

Similar surnames of Irish origin but derived from different words are Deviney, a variant of Divney derived from ‘dubh’ meaning ‘dark’ and Dorney, derived from ‘dóiríneach’, meaning ‘rural’.

There are also several Irish variants of Devany. Daiomhin is a Gaelic version of the name while Davin and Dauen are anglicized versions. Daveney, Daveny and Dewayne are also alternative spellings.

There are many variations of Devany throughout Ireland and throughout the world. It is a popular surname in Ireland, with the majority of bearers of the surname living in Counties Cork, Tipperary and Sligo.

Devany is also a popular surname in the United States, with the highest number of bearers of the surname found in the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

No matter where you find Devany, it is sure to be an interesting and meaningful surname bearing the traditions of its Irish roots.

Famous people with the name Devany

• Marwan Devany: Lebanese TV producer, director, and actor who starred in Haret El Yahud.
• Ryan Devany: Irish actor best known for roles in Red Rock and Titanic: Blood and Steel.
• Kimberley Devany: American actress who starred in the television series The Following and The Lizzie Borden Chronicles.
• Faris Devany: American musician and singer-songwriter.
• Larry Devany: American comedian and producer of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live.
• Kamal Devany: Jordanian/American businessman and chairman of the Devany Group.
• Patrick Devany: Irish writer and musician, best known for his work on the short-lived TV series Aeon Flux.
• Meg Devany: Australian actress, best known for roles in the soap opera Neighbours and the feature films Abandoned and Eston’s War.
• Dave Devany: Canadian actor who starred in the Canadian TV series Heartland and Endgame.
• Liam Devany: British actor who starred in the thriller film Out of the Ashes and the television series Cold Feet.

Other surnames

Devane