The surname Kearney is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Cearnaigh, which means "son of Cearnach." Cearnach is a personal name derived from cearn (meaning 'speckled' or 'spotted') and was borne by several early Irish saints. The clan Mac Cearnaigh was chiefly located in County Kildare, though the surname is now found throughout Ireland and beyond due to emigration.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Kearney
The meaning and origin of the last name Kearney
The surname Kearney is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Mac Cearnaigh, derived from the Gaelic word "cearnach," which means "gracious" or "handsome." Originating in Ireland, the name was borne by descendants of a noble family who were chiefs of the Eoghanacht Chaisil, one of the five major kingdoms of Munster. The surname Kearney is particularly common in counties Tipperary and Cork, with notable historical figures including James Kearney, an Irish-American soldier during the American Revolutionary War, and Sir John Kearney, a British Army officer who played a key role in the suppression of the 1798 Rebellion in Ireland. Today, the surname can be found among populations of Irish descent around the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Kearney
The surname Kearney is predominantly of Irish origin and is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Kildare, Offaly, and Kilkenny. It is also present in significant numbers in other parts of Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Outside Ireland, a large number of people with the last name Kearney reside in countries with strong Irish diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are found in states like Massachusetts, California, Illinois, and New York. The name's distribution reflects historical migrations from Ireland to other parts of the world over several centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Kearney
The surname Kearney can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include:
1. O'Kearney, which is the Gaelic form, indicating that the family is a descendant of a certain Kearney.
2. MacKearney or MacKeonagh (in Irish), which are other historical Irish forms of the name.
3. Keary, Keyrle, Kerle, Keerly, and Kearye are some English spelling variations.
4. Kiernan, Kerrigan, and Carey can also be found as related names due to similar origins or phonetic changes over time.
In modern times, the most common spelling is typically "Kearney," although regional preferences may lead to slight variations in spelling. It's always interesting to explore the roots of one's name and discover its history and meaning.
Famous people with the last name Kearney
Notable individuals with the surname Kearney include:
1. John Thomas Kearney (1849-1926), an American Civil War veteran who founded the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a Catholic Irish-American fraternal organization in the United States.
2. Conor McGregor (born 1988), an Irish professional mixed martial artist and boxer. He is a former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, as well as the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously.
3. James Kearney (1756-1822), an American merchant and politician who served as Postmaster General from 1809 to 1814 under President James Madison.
4. John Joseph Kearney (1933-2021), a Canadian ice hockey player, coach, and executive. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1962.
5. Loretta Kearney (born 1948), an American politician who has served as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives since 1997. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Genealogical research on the last name Kearney
The Kearney surname is of Irish origin, with roots traceable to County Wexford. It derives from the Gaelic "O' Ciardha" meaning descendant of Ciardha, a personal name derived from "cearr," meaning hard or fierce. The clan was initially chieftains in County Wexford and later migrated to Counties Offaly and Tipperary during Norman invasions. The Anglicization of the name occurred during the 16th century under British rule.
Notable figures bearing the Kearney name include John Boyle O'Reilly, an Irish-Australian poet and journalist; Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish political leader who founded the Irish Republican Brotherhood; and Pat Kearney, a professional Australian rules footballer who played for North Melbourne Football Club.
The Kearneys were also prominent in America, with many emigrating during the Great Famine of the mid-19th century. Today, Kearney is a relatively common surname, particularly in Ireland and the United States, reflecting the mass migration of Irish to the New World.
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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