Surname O'Faoláin - Meaning and Origin
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O'Faoláin: What does the surname O'Faoláin mean?
The Irish surname O'Faoláin (also spelt O'Fealan, O'Fallon, or Fallon) is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Fallamhain, meaning "descendant of Fallamhan".
Fallamhan was the name of a 10th century chief of the Uí Fiachra, a Gaelic kingdom located in what is now County Mayo. The name is thought to come from the Old Irish ell meaning "calf" or "servant".
The O'Faoláin family is believed to have descended from the 4th century St. Patrick's relative King Niall of the Nine Hostages, who founded the Uí Néill dynasty. This makes this ancient Irish surname one of the oldest in Ireland.
Throughout their long history, the O'Faoláins were renowned for their skill in battle. They played a significant role in the Reformation of the Irish Church and actively rebelled against English rule. By the 19th century, many O'Faoláin families had spread out across Ireland and the world.
Today, the O'Faoláins continue to live in Ireland and abroad, with many descendants bearing the surname still residing in County Mayo, particularly in the parish of Kilmainemore near Hollymount. Their legacy continues and is remembered fondly by many.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Faoláin: Where does the name O'Faoláin come from?
The last name O'Faoláin is most commonly found today in Ireland. The surname originated in County Limerick but is also found in counties Galway, Cork, and Kerry. O'Faoláin is an anglicized version of the Irish name Ó' Faoláin which was derived from the Gaelic word 'faol' which means 'wolf'.
The surname O' Faoláin is a part of the Irish family name history and is native to the Eoghanacht region, which is composed of three major clanns. These clanns are named Uí Fidgenti, Uí Liatháin, and Uí Faeláin.
The presence of the O'Faoláin surname is still strong in certain locations in Ireland. It is most common in mid-western counties, such as Limerick and Galway, and southern counties, such as Cork and Kerry. Members of this family are known to have held important positions in the region of Munster, and some of the more prominent members of the O'Faoláin family include Brian O'Faoláin, a historian and scholar; Seán O'Faoláin, a prominent Irish writer; and Éamon O'Faoláin, a photographer and filmmaker.
The O'Faoláin family is now scattered all around the world with descendants found in countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The name also continues to be passed down the generations in its original homeland in Ireland.
Variations of the surname O'Faoláin
The surname O'Faoláin is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word 'faol' meaning 'wolf.' There are several variants of the O'Faoláin surname, including O'Foal, Faoláin, Fayle, Fallon and Faolin. Spelling variations of the surname include O'Fhail, O'Fhoyle, O'Fallan, Falane, Fualawn, O'Voil and O'Voyll.
The Faoláin surname is predominately found in counties Kerry, Cork and Offaly in Ireland. It has also been recorded in Ulster and other parts of Ireland, as well as Scotland. It is believed to have been brought to Scotland by Irish emigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries.
In other English speaking countries, such as America, the surname has been Anglicized in various ways, including Fallon, Falon, Fayle and Foyl. In France, the name has been documented as De La Guévelon and De Guévelon, while in Germany, Faoláin and Fayle are recorded as Von Guewell. In Italy, the form of the name includes Catallame and Catallamo.
The O'Faoláin surname has been linked to prominent and influential Irish families, such as the O'Faoláin's of Byfarrell in county Mayo, and the O'Faoláin's of county Limerick, who were the Chiefs of their name. The renowned Irish author, Myles na gCopaleen, was born Brian O'Nolan, and was the grandson of James O'Faoláin, of county Mayo.
Famous people with the name O'Faoláin
- Sean O'Faoláin (1900-1991): Irish novelist, short story writer, essayist and biographer, born in Cork.
- Julia O'Faoláin (1923-2008): Irish novelist. She wrote over a dozen novels in her lifetime including Widow and Mandalay.
- Myles na gCopaleen (1911–1966): Irish writer, humorist and satirist, published under the pseudonym Flann O'Faoláin.
- Liam Ó Faoláin (1901–1995): Irish author, playwright, and journalist best known for his novel Come Wind, Come Weather.
- Mary O'Faoláin (1916–2002): Irish novelist whose works included Dublin Fog and Weekend in Dublin.
- Eileen O'Faoláin (1933–2006): Irish novelist, playwright, and short story writer, best known for her novel, Let Nothing Disturb You.
- Emer O'Faoláin (1927–1984): Irish novelist, journalist, and editor of the Irish Times.
- Daniel O'Faoláin (1916–1994): Irish theater director and Prix Italia winning author of the novel The Sexy Shoe.
- Seán O'Faoláin (1948-): Irish actor and author whose works include books of fiction and non-fiction.
- Pól O'Faoláin (1969-): Irish director and screenwriter best known for his work on the television series My Left Foot.