Surname Birrane - Meaning and Origin
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Birrane: What does the surname Birrane mean?
The surname Birrane is of Irish origin, a shortened name of the Gaelic O’Bearain, derived from the Irish word ‘bearan’ meaning ‘spear’. It is most common in counties Cork and Limerick, two of the many counties that make up Ireland.
The Birrane's were originally an offshoot of the O'Connor clan in North Munster. Although the clan was not large, it held strategic importance due to its proximity to other major clans in the region. According to Irish family tradition, many of the members of the clan served as gallowglasses or offermen of the powerful O'Connor ard ri or 'clan king'.
In later years, many members of the Birrane family became leaders in various fields in Ireland such as politics and business, including the Prime Minister William T. Cosgrave’s father-in-law who was a leading business Man in Dublin.
The Birrane name is also found in a variety of spellings, including Birrane, Beirne, Byrne, Burns, Berrane, MacBirrane, McBirrane, O'Birrane, O'Beirne, O'Byrne, and O'Burns.
The members of the Birrane family are part of an important part of Irish history. They have a rich culture that has been an integral part of the country for centuries and the family’s legacy will continue for many years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisBirrane: Where does the name Birrane come from?
The last name Birrane is most likely to originate in Ireland, where it is still quite common today. The name is usually thought to originate from Ó Bearáin, an old Gaelic family name. The name is currently found mostly in counties Waterford, Cork, and Tipperary, as well as in parts of Limerick. It is also common in Northern Ireland’s County Tyrone.
The Birrane family name was first documented in the year 1172 when O’Brien of Thomond granted the hereditary title of O’Birrane to Diarmaid Brien. During the 16th and 17th centuries, many of the Birrane family left Ireland due to the famine. As a result, the surname can be found in many English speaking countries, including England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The Birrane name is believed to be of Norse origin, with the prefix “bi” meaning bear, and “rane” meaning rule. This is most likely derived from the family’s position as stewards of their local territory. The meaning could have also been symbolic or the result of a nickname for a family member.
Today, the Birrane name is still very common in Ireland, and many of those with the Birrane last name can trace their heritage back to the country. It has become more widespread throughout the rest of the world though due to migration, and can now be found across the globe.
Variations of the surname Birrane
The surname Birrane has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames that are all related to one another.
One notable variation of this surname is Beirne, which has its roots in the Irish language. Another popular variant of the name is Birrane, which has its origins in the Irish surname O Birn. This surname has other versions such as Beirne and Birny, and all of them stem from the same Irish language root.
Birrane can also be found in various spellings, such as Byrran, Byrnan, Birron and Byrron. These spellings are an interesting variation of the original spelling, and may be used to indicate a particular family line that has been altered over time.
The surname Birrane is related to other Irish surnames as well including Beirne, Byrane, Byrnes, Byrne, Byrn, Birney, and Birnie. All of these surnames have the origin of O Birn.
Finally, the surname Birrane is also related to the Scottish surname Barry. Barry is derived from O’Birn, which was the Anglicized form of O Birn – making Birrane and Barry related by the same original language.
Overall, the surname Birrane has many related variants, spellings, and surnames stemming from the same origin. These variants can be found in both the Irish and Scottish regions of the world, adding to the long and distinguished history of this surname.
Famous people with the name Birrane
- Liam Birrane: Irish professional rugby player.
- Sharon Birrane: Irish athlete who specialises in the long jump.
- Siobhan Birrane: Irish photography artist.
- Cian Birrane: Irish Olympic swimmer and medal winning junior swimmer.
- Rose Birrane: Irish novelist, short story writer and poet.
- Aníbal O. Birrane Jr.: Filipino politician.
- Mary Birrane: Irish author, publisher and former public relations expert.
- Elizabeth O' Hara Birrane: Irish professor of anthropology.
- Edward Birrane: Irish and American businessman and philanthropist.
- Éamon de Leastar Birrane: Irish politician.
- Molly Birrane: Irish professor of Durham University in the United Kingdom.
- Ollie Birrane: Irish professional rugby union player.
- William Birrane: American motivational speaker and consultant.
- John A. Birrane: American former Deputy Secretary of State in Pennsylvania.
- Eileen Birrane: Irish President of NUI Galway.
- Noel Birrane: Irish broadcaster, journalist and author of RTÉ.
- Gearóid Birrane: Irish dual international athlete.
- Damian Birrane: Irish professional rugby player.
- Mary Maguire Birrane: Irish record-breaking Tory politician.
- Joseph Birrane: Irish media executive and former RTÉ director.