Surname O'Riordain - Meaning and Origin
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O'Riordain: What does the surname O'Riordain mean?
O'Riordain is a surname which is believed to originate from a Gaelic Irish background. The literal meaning of the name is derived from the Gaelic ó (meaning 'descendent of') and Riordain (meaning 'of the poet'). As such, the surname of O'Riordain translates to 'descendent of the poet' and is typically associated with the family of noble heritage in Ireland.
The history of the surname O'Riordain dates back to ancient Ireland. It is known to have been held by a family of the Ui Maine people who first ruled over the territories in Connacht. Furthermore, this family of O'Riordain were also a well-known clan home to many poets, warriors and others of noble heritage. In more modern times, the surname has evolved and is now spread across the Irish sea, with many individuals of the O'Riordain family now found in the USA, UK and beyond.
The name O'Riordain carries a certain pride with it and is a reminder of the significance of the family's long-standing heritage in Ireland. The history of the family's contributions to literature, poetry, and the Irish language in general, is remembered through the continuation of their name and therefore extends to any descendant of the O'Riordain family who carries on the recognition of their roots by bearing the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Riordain: Where does the name O'Riordain come from?
The last name O'Riordain is a proud Irish name that is still very common today, especially in Ireland. O'Riordain families can likely be found in all 32 counties. This name is especially concentrated in County Cork and County Limerick with countless O'Riordain families living in each area, as the name has strong roots there.
O'Riordains can also be found scattered around the globe. For instance, members of the O'Riordain clan migrated to the USA and Australia in the 19th century and have continued to thrive in those countries. Additionally, O'Riordain families have been traced to New Zealand, Canada and across Europe.
BACKGROUND
The O'Riordain name originates with the clan of Riordan, a famous 10th century line of warriors. The family was first documented in the Annals of Inisfalen in 942 AD, and their legacy has been carried by countless O'Riordain families since then.
As a proud Irish clan, the last name O'Riordain frequently carries a deep respect for Irish culture and traditions. In modern times, there are a number of O'Riordain-owned establishments throughout Ireland including pubs, hotels, and restaurants.
The legacy of the O'Riordain family is still strong today, and whether in Ireland or half a world away, the last name O'Riordain is recognized across the globe.
Variations of the surname O'Riordain
The surname O’Riordain has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variant is O’Riordan. It is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó Réardáin, meaning descendant of Réardan. This name is usually represented in English as Riordan, Rierdan, O’Rierdan and even Reardon.
The O’Riordains are a separate Irish clan from the O’Riordans primarily from the Cork and Kerry regions in the south of Ireland. The O’Riordan spelling is commonly referred to in Irish history as one of the “Three Septs” alongside O’Sullivan Beare and MacCarthy Reagh.
Other variations of the surname vary between countries and regions with variants ranging from Riordan, O’ Riordan, Roirdan, Rirrdan, Rierdina, O’Riordan and O’Riourdan. In the United States the surname may often appear as Riarted or Ryart.
The name may also be found as O’Riordane, Rierdan, O’Rierdan, Rierdina, O’Rierdin and Rierdane.
In addition to O’Riordain there are several related names including Riordan, MacRiordáin, O’Reirdan, Reirdan, Rearden, Reirdon, and Rioradean. Amongst other anglicized spellings, O’Riordan forms, such as Bryan O'Riordan and O’Riordan may also be found.
Famous people with the name O'Riordain
- Micheál Martin O'Riordain, former minister for health in Ireland.
- Éamon O'Riordain, former senior Irish Labour party politician.
- Finian O'Riordain, former Irish Labour Party Senator.
- Seán O'Riordain, former Irish Labour Party TD.
- Liam O'Riordain, Irish Labour Party politician.
- Donagh O'Riordain, Irish politician and former member of the Seanad.
- Malachy O'Riordain, Irish Fianna Fáil politician.
- Pat O'Riordain, Irish Labour Party TD and Senator.
- Seán P. O'Riordain, former Fianna Fáil politician.
- Seán O'Riordain, former Fianna Fáil local-government councillor.
- Úna O'Riordain, Irish Fine Gael politician.
- Éamon de Valera (born Edward George de Valera), former Taoiseach of Ireland whose mother's maiden name was O'Riordain.
- Conchubhar O'Riordain, Irish-language poet and poet-innovator active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Lena O'Riordain, Irish language poet and scholar.
- Gerry O’Riordan, former Fianna Fáil Lord Mayor of Cork.