The surname Feehan is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Fathaigh, which means "descendant of Fathach." The name Fathach is derived from the Irish word "fathach" meaning "hospitable" or "accommodating." This surname was predominantly found in County Cork and Limerick. Like many Irish names during the era of British rule, it was anglicized under English influence, resulting in variations like Feehan, Feeney, and Fennell.
The surname Feehan is of Irish origin, specifically from County Cork in Ireland. It is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Ó Foghlú or Mac Fheehin, which means "son of Feehane" or "descendant of Feehane." The name Feehane is derived from feahan, meaning a raven or a dark-haired man. Over time, the name has been spelled in various ways, including Feeney, Feenan, and Fennell, due to anglicization and regional dialects. The surname Feehan is quite common among Irish people, particularly those with roots in County Cork.
The surname Feehan is predominantly of Irish origin and is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Kerry. Historically, these regions were known for their strong Gaelic tradition and have a high density of Irish-speaking communities. The name Feehan or O'Fathaigh is derived from the Gaelic sept (clan) Fathach, which means "plunderer" or "pillager."
Over time, members of the Feehan clan emigrated from Ireland to other countries due to economic hardship and political unrest. A significant number of Irish immigrants with the surname Feehan settled in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., they are most prevalent along the eastern seaboard, with high concentrations in states such as Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Smaller populations can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The surname Feehan has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variants include Feeney, Fennell, Fennessy, Fenny, Feeney-Foley, and O'Feeney, which are primarily found among the Irish population. Other variations include Fahy, Fay, Feehaney, Fihan, and MacPhiean, although these may be less common. In genealogical research, it is essential to consider these variants when searching for ancestors with the surname Feehan, as their name may appear differently in various records throughout history.
Notable individuals with the surname Feehan include:
1. Christine Feehan, an American author known for her romance novels, particularly in the vampire and shapeshifter genres. She has written over 60 novels and has been a New York Times bestselling author multiple times.
2. John Feehan, a former Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Manchester United and Sunderland, and the Republic of Ireland national team. He was a part of the United squad that won the FA Cup in 1968.
3. Joe Feehan, an American football player who played quarterback for Fordham University and the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL). He led Fordham to three undefeated seasons and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
4. Margaret Feehan, an American actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She is best known for her roles in "The Greatest Show on Earth" and "The Ten Commandments."
5. Sean Feehan, an Irish footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Everton and Manchester City, and the Republic of Ireland national team. He was part of the Everton squad that won the FA Cup in 1995.
The Feehan surname is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic O'Fithin, meaning "descendant of Fithin." Fithin was a personal name composed of the elements "fith," meaning raven or wolf, and "an," indicating life or breath. The Feehans were a prominent sept in County Limerick, Ireland, and many descendants emigrated to the United States, particularly to Boston, Massachusetts, during the 19th century. Notable individuals with the surname Feehan include John Feehan, an American professional baseball player, and Edmund Thomas Feehan, a justice of the Supreme Court of California. The surname has several variations, including Feeney, Fennessy, O'Feehan, and Fennell, due to differences in spelling and anglicization during migration.
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