Surname O'Lynn - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
O'Lynn: What does the surname O'Lynn mean?
The Irish surname O'Lynn (also spelled O'Linn, O'Lunn, O'Lean, O'Linn, and O'Lenn) is an anglicised form of the name Ó Luinge, which is derived from the Irish name Lugh, meaning 'bright one'. Historically, the O'Lynns were a sept of the Uí Fiachrach people located in the County Mayo region of Ireland. The Uí Fiachrach were a powerful line of kings and chieftains who ruled the province of Connacht until the 12th Century.
The O'Lynns likely assumed their surname in the late 14th or early 15th century to distinguish themselves from other septs. It translates to ‘grandson or descendant of Luinn’, and is noted as being a particularly old and distinguished name. The O'Lynn name has spread over time, with records showing members of the O'Lynn sept scattered throughout different parts of Ireland, as well as in England, Australia, Canada and the United States.
Today, the O'Lynn surname still has a strong presence in Ireland. It is commonly found in cities such as Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Donegal. However, O'Lynns can be found all over the world, particularly in English speaking countries, due to the mass emigration of Irish people throughout history. For this reason, the surname has become part of many different cultures and lifestyles, and it is now recognised as a distinct name with its own lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Lynn: Where does the name O'Lynn come from?
The last name O'Lynn is a patronymic name, originating from the Gaelic Ó Laidhinn. The prefix "O'" in the Irish and Scottish surnames denotes "son of," showing the patronymic origin of these surnames.
The last name O'Lynn is most commonly found in the United States, primarily in the New England and Mid-Atlantic states. It can also be found in Scotland, Ireland, and England. In the U.S., the O'Lynn name is fairly common, having been carried to America by Irish immigrants.
In Scotland, the last name appears to have two distinct origins. One is from the East Coast county of Fife, where it is thought to descend from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Fhionain, meaning "son of the follower of St. Finnan." The other origin is from the region of Ayrshire, where the present rendition of the name was found in the early sixteenth century as O'Lyhawn.
In Ireland, the O'Lynns were a sept (clan) of the O'Kellys who resided in County Galway. The O'Lynn name is still found in significant numbers in County Galway, as well as in Counties Roscommon and Mayo.
Overall the last name O'Lynn is fairly common today in the United States, Scotland, Ireland, and England. It is especially popular in the New England and Mid-Atlantic states. Those with the last name O'Lynn can trace its roots to Gaelic origins and its presence in the U.S. to Irish immigrants.
Variations of the surname O'Lynn
The O’Lynn surname is an Irish surname and can take a few different forms, depending on where and when it is found. The most commonly seen variants and spellings of this surname include O’Linn, O’Lyn, O’Linn, O’Lyne, O’Leen, O’Laine, and O’Laine. Occasionally, the surname will be spelled as O’Linns, O’Lynn, O’Lenne, O’Line, O’Lynes, O’Lynes, O’Linns, or O’Lyns.
The O’Lynn surname can also be found in Anglicised forms, such as Lane, Lean, Lyn, Linn, and Linns. The ‘O’ prefix is often dropped in these variations, such as in the names O’Lane, Lean, Linn, and Linns. O’Lynn is also found as an anglicized version of the given name “Tumaltane”, which is an Old Irish first name.
The O’Lynn surname is derived from the Gaelic Ó'Luing or Ó'Laithin and is the patronymic form of the personal name Luing or Laithin. It can also be seen in the ancient Irish territories of Munster and County Cork.
The O’Lynn surname is also seen in other forms such as O'Lynch, O’Linch, O’Lynch, O’Lynche, and O’Linche, and is occasionally found in Scotland. All of the above spellings and surnames are considered to share the same origin.
Famous people with the name O'Lynn
- Shirley O'Lynn: American actress, best known for her role as the receptionist in the 1960s show, Mr. Ed.
- Tom O'Lynn: Irish professional footballer and current manager of Monaghan United in the League of Ireland First Division.
- Pat O'Lynn: Former All-American college football player and American Mineralogist.
- Mary O'Lynn:Former New York actress and award-winning playwright.
- Erin O'Lynn: American actress, who starred in the National Lampoon's Vacation series.
- James O'Lynn: Irish politician who was the Deputy Prime Minister for Northern Ireland from 2002 to 2007.
- Sean O'Lynn: Emmy Award-winning American Television Producer, most recognized for producing the syndicated television series, Saved by the Bell.
- Austin O'Lynn: American Singer-Songwriter and lead singer of the band Seven Sundays.
- Judith O'Lynn: Former President of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers in Australia.
- Frances O'Lynn: English writer and poet, who is best known for her debut novel, A Room of One's Own.