Irish America

Irish America

Roots

Roots: Byrnes and O’Beirnes

By James G. Ryan

September / October 1997

by Leave a Comment

The names O'Byrne and O'Beirne (or Byrne and Beirne) are often regarded as variants of the same name, much to the annoyance of the less-common Beirnes. In fact, the names spring from totally different sources. O'Byrne is derived from the Gaelic O'Broin, meaning "descended from Bran," an 11th century King of Leinster. The O'Byrnes were chieftains of what is now County Kildare … [Read more...] about Roots: Byrnes and O’Beirnes

Roots: The Burkes

By James G. Ryan

July/August 1997

by Leave a Comment

Burke (or Bourke) is one of the most popular Irish names of Norman origin. The name was introduced to Ireland through the person (and presumably extended family) of William Fitzadelm de Burgo, who came to Ireland in 1169 with the Norman invasion forces. William was granted large estates of O'Connor land in Connacht but the family did not effectively gain possession of this … [Read more...] about Roots: The Burkes

Roots: The O’Reillys

By James G. Ryan

May/June 1997

by Leave a Comment

The O'Reilly family name is derived from the Gaelic "O'Raghailligh," which means descendants of Raghaillach. The O'Reillys were the most powerful sept of the old Gaelic Kingdom of Breffny, and the family is still very numerous in the area which made up this kingdom, i.e., Cavan and the surrounding counties. The name is frequently shortened to Reilly or Riley. Members of the … [Read more...] about Roots: The O’Reillys

Roots: O’Mahoney, McMahon and Vaughan

By James G. Ryan

Fall 2024

by 1 Comment

The families of McMahon and O’Mahoney are related only by the common derivation of their names from the Irish name Mahon (in Gaelic Mathuna) which was a personal name, meaning a bear. The O’Mahoney or Mahony name is derived from Mathuna, a grandson of Brian Boru. The family were the Eoganacht, the regal dynasty of Munster and were one of the most prominent of West Munster. … [Read more...] about Roots: O’Mahoney, McMahon and Vaughan

Roots: Phelan, Whelan, and Fallon

By James G. Ryan

April / May 1999

by Leave a Comment

The origin of the names Phelan and Whelan is an excellent example of the vagaries of Anglicization of Irish names. Both of these names are derived from the same Gaelic name O'Fáolain. Although Whelan is more common, Phelan is common in areas of Kilkenny and Waterford. The O'Faoláins were Princes of the Decies, a kingdom in the area of the current County Waterford. The Fallons … [Read more...] about Roots: Phelan, Whelan, and Fallon