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Last Name Behan

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What is the origin of the last name Behan?

The last name Behan has its origins in the Gaelic language of Ireland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Beacháin," which means "descendant of Beachán." The name Beachán is a diminutive of "beach," which means "bee."

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The meaning and origin of the last name Behan

The surname Behan is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Beacháin," meaning 'descendant of Beachán.' The name Beachán is a personal name from the Old Irish word "becc," meaning 'small' or 'little.' The Behan surname is mainly found in County Kildare, Ireland, and is associated with the prominent Behan family of Gaelic origin. The Behan name has a long history in Ireland, with records dating back to the 17th century. Over the years, the surname has spread to other parts of the world due to Irish migration, particularly to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Behan

Behan is a surname of Irish origin, predominantly found in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The highest concentration of individuals with the last name Behan can be found in Ireland, particularly in counties like Dublin, Cork, and Kildare. Outside of Ireland, significant numbers of individuals with the surname Behan can also be found in the United Kingdom, with a notable presence in England, Scotland, and Wales. Additionally, there are some individuals with the last name Behan in countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada, mostly due to emigration patterns from Ireland. Overall, Behan is a relatively uncommon surname, with the majority of individuals bearing this last name still residing in their ancestral homeland of Ireland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Behan

The last name Behan can also be spelled as Bhean, Beehan, Bayhan, Bihan, Behen, Beahan, Beyhan, or Bohan. These variations may be due to different regional dialects, translations, or simply personal preferences when recording the surname. However, the most common and accepted spelling is Behan.

Famous people with the last name Behan

Brendan Behan was a prominent Irish writer and playwright known for his work exploring the themes of Irish nationalism and social injustice. His autobiography, "Borstal Boy," is considered a classic of Irish literature. Dominic Behan, brother of Brendan, was also a well-known Irish folk singer and songwriter, with hits such as "The Patriot Game" and "McAlpine's Fusiliers." Brian Behan, another brother, was a respected playwright and author, known for his works such as "The Quare Fellow" and "The Folk Singer." The Behan family's contributions to Irish literature and music have left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Ireland.

Genealogical research on the last name Behan

The surname Behan is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Beacháin" meaning descendant of Beachán. The name originated in County Kerry and spread to other parts of Ireland over time. The Behan family were historically associated with the Dál gCais tribe in County Clare. One of the most famous individuals with the Behan surname was Brendan Behan, the well-known Irish writer and playwright. Genealogical research on the Behan name reveals a rich history dating back centuries in Ireland, with many branches of the family tree branching out into different regions of the country. Today, individuals with the Behan surname can be found not only in Ireland but also in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with a significant Irish diaspora population.

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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