Surname O'Boylan - Meaning and Origin
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O'Boylan: What does the surname O'Boylan mean?
O'Boylan is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Old Welsh personal name "Boylan," which refers to a dweller in a yellow-colored house. This name may also have a connection to the Latin word for "yellow," which is "flava."
The O'Boylan family was originally located in County Westmeath, Ireland. It is thought to have originated in the 12th century, when the Boylan name was bestowed upon a war chief. The O form of the name is commonly used in Irish surnames as it means "descendant of".
The O'Boylan's were a prominent figure in Irish politics and were part of the Irish nobility from the 16th to 18th centuries. They held various roles in the military, politics, and church, and eventually spread all over Ireland and then eventually across the Atlantic to America.
The O'Boylan family crest features a green background with a red lion with a forked tail. The lion is also seen wearing a Saxon crown with five fleur de lis. This symbol represents strength, courage, and intelligence and is fitting for a family with a strong sense of loyalty and commitment.
Today, the O'Boylan name is spread all over the world. It is a reminder of the courage and conviction of their ancestors as well as a testament to the power and resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing great odds, the O'Boylan's have still managed to make their mark in history and the world.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Boylan: Where does the name O'Boylan come from?
The last name O'Boylan is most commonly found in Ireland, with a significant population of the name in the north western Irish counties of Mayo and Donegal. According to IrishOrigenes.ie, the O'Boylan name is one of the "thirty most common Irish surnames". The name is derived from the Irish phrase Ó Baoighill, which translates to "descendant of Baoigheall", a personal name meaning "boisterous" or "tempestuous". This likely suggests a strong, bold character.
Many descendants of Irish immigrants who left during the Great Famine of the mid-nineteenth century can still find the O'Boylan name in the United States and Canada, in particular on the west coast. O'Boylan's are found in Pennsylvania and Ohio as well as the states of California, Oregon, and Washington.
The O'Boylan's are a proud and ancient Irish clan and many of their descendants continue to honor their Irish heritage today. The O'Boylan family crest is a proud symbol of the family's heritage, and many family members have kept the original spelling of their name to remain true to their heritage.
Today, the O'Boylan name is a proud Irish surname and a sign of strength and character. A symbol of an ancient heritage, the name can still be found around the world in various locations.
Variations of the surname O'Boylan
The O'Boylan surname is an Irish surname derived from the Norman-French surname Bureau. It is an Anglicised form of two Gaelic surnames: Ó Bogbáin and Ó Baothghabháin.
Variants of the surname O'Boylan include O'Boyland, O'Boylen, O'Boylanne, Boylan, Boyland, Boyle, Beall, Boil, O'Beallaigh, Bolyn, Boehlan, Bohland, Beolan and de Bea–bhan among others.
In Scotland, the surname is usually spelled Boylan, Boylen, Boylanne, Boylanese, or Boylinson.
The "O'" prefix was sometimes omitted by the English when transcribing the name.
Different spellings of 'O'Boylan' are used in different parts of the world and even within the same family tree. In other parts of the world the surname is spelled differently, for example as Boylan in Australia, or Boylinson in Canada.
Because of emigration from Ireland, there are some variants of the O'Boylan surname now found in countries such as The United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In the United States, the most common spellings are Boylan and Boyle.
Surnames originating from the same route include Baehl, Bahel, Bolin, Bolan, Bowlin, O'Beaillan, O'Bailean, O'Bailan, O'Beaailan, O'Beailain, O'Beillan and O’Baillan.
Overall, O'Boylan is an uncommon Irish surname of Norman-French origin, with many variations in spelling found throughout Ireland, the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name O'Boylan
- Matthew O'Boylan: Irish Gaelic Footballer who plays for Galway
- Ken O'Boylan: Irish soccer international who played for Newcastle United
- Joe O'Boylan: Actor who had roles in movies like Chocolat and Gangs of New York
- Patrick O'Boylan: Former professional cyclist who won 3 stages of the Tour de France and represented Ireland in the Olympics
- Thomas O'Boylan: Political historian and professor at Notre Dame University
- Seamas O'Boylan: Irish actor noted for his voice work in animated films like The Wild Wild West
- Lily O'Boylan: A former apprentice blacksmith renowned for her work in historical sculpture
- Rory O'Boylan: Award-winning writer and director best known for the films Neon, Available Light, and All That Remains
- Barry O'Boylan: International show jumper who has represented Ireland in the world cup of showjumping
- John O'Boylan: Irish political leader, former member of the European Parliament, and author of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland