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Last Name Ohanlon

What is the origin of the last name Ohanlon?

The last name O'Hanlon is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Ó hAnluain, which means "descendant of Anluan." This surname originates from the County Armagh and County Down areas in Northern Ireland. The O'Hanlon clan was a powerful Gaelic Irish family that played a significant role in the history of Ireland.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Ohanlon

The meaning and origin of the last name Ohanlon

The surname Ohanlon is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O'hAnluain", meaning "descendant of Anluan". The name Anluan itself is a variation of the Old Irish name "Andalán", which is believed to mean "great chieftain" or "warrior". The Ohanlon clan originated in County Armagh in Northern Ireland, where they were prominent chiefs during the medieval period. The family's stronghold was located in the barony of Orior, where they ruled over several territories and played a significant role in both political and military affairs. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of Ireland and even to countries such as the United States and Australia, where descendants of the Ohanlon family can still be found today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ohanlon

The last name Ohanlon is primarily found in Ireland, particularly in the counties of Monaghan and Louth. It is believed to be of Gaelic origin, derived from the personal name 'O' h-Anluain', meaning 'descendant of Anluan'. The Ohanlon surname can also be found in smaller numbers in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as a result of Irish migration and diaspora over the centuries. In Ireland, the Ohanlon name is most commonly found in rural areas and small towns, where families have lived for generations. Today, the name Ohanlon is still relatively rare compared to other Irish surnames, but those who bear it often take pride in their heritage and history. The Ohanlon surname is a reminder of the rich cultural and historical connections that tie individuals and families together across borders and generations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ohanlon

The last name Ohanlon has several variations and spellings, including O'Hanlon, O'Hamlin, O'Hanlan, O'Hanlen, O'Hanland, and O'Hanlin. These variations all stem from the original Gaelic name "O h-Anluain," which translates to "descendant of Anluan." The name is of Irish origin and is most commonly found in areas with strong Irish heritage, such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The various spellings of Ohanlon can be attributed to different regional accents and dialects, as well as clerical errors and changes over time. Despite the different spellings, all variations of the name carry the same meaning and history, connecting individuals with a shared ancestral lineage.

Famous people with the last name Ohanlon

Famous people with the last name Ohanlon include actors and comedians like Chris O'Dowd, who is best known for his role in the TV show "The IT Crowd" and the movie "Bridesmaids." Another well-known Ohanlon is Ardal O'Hanlon, an Irish comedian and actor famous for his role as Father Dougal McGuire in the sitcom "Father Ted." Both of these talented individuals have achieved success in the entertainment industry, entertaining audiences with their humor and wit. Additionally, their work has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. The Ohanlon name has become synonymous with talent and comedic brilliance, making them stand out among their peers in the entertainment world.

Genealogical research on the last name Ohanlon

The surname Ohanlon is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O'hAnluain", which means "descendant of Anluan". The Ohanlons were a prominent Gaelic clan in County Armagh, Ireland, with their territory centered around Omeath in County Louth. Throughout history, the Ohanlons were known for their resistance to English rule and were involved in numerous conflicts with neighboring clans. The name spread throughout Ireland and beyond as members of the clan migrated and settled in different regions. Today, the Ohanlon surname is found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Genealogical research on the Ohanlon name can uncover a rich history of a proud and resilient clan that has left a lasting impact on Irish heritage.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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