Surname Breslin - Meaning and Origin

Breslin: What does the surname Breslin mean?

The last name Breslin is an anglicised form of the Irish name 'Ó Breasnáin'. It is derived from the Irish words 'breas' and 'anann', meaning 'wealthy' and 'the fair one' respectively. This surname likely originated from the kingdom of Breifne, which now comprises parts of the modern counties of Cavan and Leitrim in Ireland. Alternatively, the name may come from the Bresels, a Norman family from Breslau and Brenz in Silesia in what is now Germany.

The surname Breslin is most commonly associated with Irish roots, but there are some who carry the name with a Germanic background. The family name was found in the United States in the late 19th century, when many Irish immigrants came to the country. The name is still a relatively common one today in both the United States and Ireland.

Notable people with the surname Breslin include the Irish professional boxer, Paddy Breslin, Jewish American actor and writer, Abigail Breslin, and American actor, Wilfred Breslin.

Overall, the last name Breslin can be seen as a testament to the importance of family and heritage. For centuries, this name has been retained and passed down from generation to generation, and even today carries the same connotations of strength, nobility and refinement that it has had for centuries.

Breslin: Where does the name Breslin come from?

The last name Breslin is common among individuals of Irish descent. Although the surname is most common in Ireland, there is a great presence of Breslin's throughout the world. In the United States, it is a fairly common surname, especially in states with historically high Irish American populations such as Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Although the Breslin family tree is pre-dominantly found in the Celtic nations of Europe, there is a large American presence as well. Connections to Irish communities around the world, such as Australia, England, and Canada, can be identified as well.

The Breslin ancestry is one that can be traced back to the Irish county of Limerick. A number of the surnames found in this area include: Breslan, Breslau, Breslin, and Breslin.

Given the high concentration of Ireland’s presence in the world today, it is no surprise that the last name Breslin is still quite common. To this day, Breslin's can be found in many communities in the United States, particularly those with a high Irish-American population. Suggestions of Scottish, Welsh, or English kinship are easily debunked with the knowledge that the surname is primarily derived from Irish roots.

Variations of the surname Breslin

Breslin is an Anglicized version of the Irish surname "O'Breslin", a Gaelic surname meaning "Descendant of The Plant". It is also spelled as Breslyn, Bresslin, Bresslyn, Breslau, and Breslang.

Surnames that have the same origin as Breslin include O'Breslan, O'Bresslan, Breaslain, Breaslaine, Breslan, Bresslan, Bresslaine, Breslau, Breslang, and Breaslany. Additionally, variants of Breslin include Breslin, Breslyn, and Bresslin. Other variants and spellings are O'Braslin, Braisleann, MacBraslin, and Braslan.

Along with these variants of the origin surname, there are other names of Irish origin that are closely related to Breslin, such as Breland, Brelland, Bralland, Breece, Breese, Breish, Brees, Bres, Bress, and Bresnan.

These related surnames are derived from the personal name Bresal, which itself comes from the Gaelic word ‘bras’, meaning "one who is brave or valorous". Other derived names include Brazell, Brazill, Brazillan, Brazillen, and Brazillian. They also have other variants, such as Braizil, Braxil, Bresail, Bresal, Bressal, Brisaill, Brisan, and Brisayne.

Breslin is a varied surname with both origins coming from Irish and Gaelic roots, so there are many variations of the name when it comes to spelling and surname associations.

Famous people with the name Breslin

• Abigail Breslin: Abigail Breslin is an American actress and singer. She made her film debut in the 2002 comedy-drama Signs, at the age of five. She has since gone on to star in films such as Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Nim's Island (2008), Definitely, Maybe (2008), Zombieland (2009), My Sister's Keeper (2009), and August: Osage County (2013).
• Ryan Breslin: Ryan Breslin is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of Craig Kirkwood in the 2016 film SiREN.
• Buzz Breslin: Buzz Breslin is a college basketball coach. He was previously the head coach at The Ohio State University from 1994 to 1998.
• Stanley Breslin: Stanley Breslin was an American film and television director, producer and writer. He is known for directing such films as The Killing of Sister George (1968), The Owl and the Pussycat (1970), and Yes, Giorgio (1982).
• Billy Breslin: Billy Breslin is a former professional baseball player who spent four seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles.
• Nancy Breslin: Nancy Breslin is an American record producer and Executive Vice President of A&R for Sony Music Entertainment. She has worked with such artists as Pavarotti, Mariah Carey, Deborah Cox and more.
• John Breslin: John Breslin is an Irish business executive, technology entrepreneur, author and academic. He is currently the CEO of NewsWhip, a company he co-founded in 2012.
• Helen Breslin: Helen Breslin is an American painter, graphic designer and illustrator. She has designed posters, logos, packaging, advertisements and more.

Other surnames

Bresler