Surname O'Heenan - Meaning and Origin
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O'Heenan: What does the surname O'Heenan mean?
The last name O'Heenan is of Irish origin. It is derived from the old Gaelic name O'hEidhin, which is composed of two elements. The first element is o meaning "grandson" or "descendant," and the second is Eidhin meaning "fire."
In ancient Ireland, families and clans often chose a powerful symbol, such as fire, to represent them. The most common type of fire associated with the O'Heenans was the ceann na gcaorach, or "head of the sheep." The ceann na gcaorach was an ancient ritual fire used by clan members to honor their ancestors, and to receive protection and guidance from their spirit guides. This symbol of fire was often used by the O'Heenan clan, and remains a symbol of their proud heritage and strong family ties to this day.
Historically, the O'Heenan clan was very unified and respected by other clans and families. The O'Heenans would often travel together as a unit to explore and conquer other lands in the name of their clan. They were also famed for their loyalty, bravery and their skills as warriors.
The O'Heenan clan is still a proud and determined family, adhering to the same values as their ancestors. The name O'Heenan is a powerful symbol of their proud Irish heritage, and their ongoing dedication to their community.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Heenan: Where does the name O'Heenan come from?
The last name O'Heenan is most commonly found in Ireland today. This is because the name originates from a Gaelic Irish background, specifically from Co. Kerry in the south of the country.
The name is associated with the O'Heenan family who are descended from the ancient territory of Magh-Tuireadh in Connacht, which is believed to have been the homeland of the ancient O'Heenans. The surname was also found in Connacht at one time, especially among the Clan 0'Heeney.
The family owned areas around Danes Castle and had lands near Lough Gual, north of Tralee. The surname was also found near County Kilkenny but eventually faded away there.
Today, those with the last name O'Heenan are primarily located in Ireland, mainly across the province of Munster (including Cork, Waterford, Kerry, Limerick, and Tipperary).
Those with the name in Ireland are likely to be descended from the same family tree, which began in Co. Kerry more than 800 years ago and is still in existence today. The name is still often used by those who have Gaelic ancestry in the area and is common in the surrounding counties.
In the United States, the name can also be found in small pockets across the country, with the main hubs being in New York and Massachusetts. However, these are likely to be descendants of Irish immigrants who travelled to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Variations of the surname O'Heenan
The surname O'Heenan is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó hAonghusa and anglicized as Hennessy. This surname originated from the Aonghus, an early tenth century Gaelic Irish High King and is one of the oldest Irish surnames. It is derived from the compound first name Aonghus, which means “one strength or vigor”.
The various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin as O'Heenan include O' Hennessy, Hennessey, Hennessy, Hinesey, Heeney, Heaney, Henesy, Heaney, Henessey and Heinsy. The variant spellings are common due to the many different spellings and pronunciations of Irish surnames.
The anglicized versions of O'Heenan are widely used in Ireland and the US, and include Hennech, Heening, Heneghan, Heanen and Heenan. Some of the other common variations of the name include: O'Heiney, O'Higgans, O'Hegnan, O'Hegins, O'Hagen, O'H arety and O'Hegan.
The name is most frequently found in the provinces of Munster and Connacht in Ireland and in County Donegal, where it was brought to by emigrants. It is also common in some areas of the United States, Canada, Australia and Antigua.
In conclusion, O'Heenan is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó hAonghusa and has a variety of spellings and surnames of identical or similar origin. These include O' Hennessy, Hennessey, Hennessy, Hinesey, Heeney, Heaney, Henesy, Heaney, Henessey, Heinsy, Hennech, Heening, Heneghan, Heanen, Heenan, O'Heiney, O'Higgans, O'Hegnan, O'Hegins, O'Hagen, O'Harety and O'Hegan. It is most commonly found in the provinces of Munster and Connacht in Ireland and in County Donegal as well as in some areas of the US, Canada, Australia and Antigua.
Famous people with the name O'Heenan
- Corey O'Heenan: American football player
- Maurice O'Heenan: Irish actor and filmmaker
- Joe O'Heenan: Irish politician
- Maureen O'Heenan: Irish actress and screenwriter
- Liam O'Heenan: Irish politician
- Frank O'Heenan: British historian and author
- Brendan O'Heenan: Irish rugby player
- Martin O'Heenan: Irish actor and director
- Thomas O'Heenan: Irish author
- Elizabeth O'Heenan: American actress