Surname Callinan - Meaning and Origin
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Callinan: What does the surname Callinan mean?
The surname Callinan is of Irish origin and is derived from the surname Ó Callanáin, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Ceallacháin. It is an ancient Irish clan name believed to have originated in County Limerick as far back as the 8th century. The name is still common in North Munster and Southeastern Connaught.
Disney actress Meaghan Jette Martin is among the prominent bearers of the name Callinan. The occupation of those with the surname Callinan in the 1700s and 1800s primarily included farming, and many today still live in the same counties in which their ancestors did centuries ago. The name was often used as a surname given to those who had a strong leadership spirit and determination.
The name Callinan is primarily used as a patronymic, meaning it is formed from the name of one's father or other male ancestor. The prefix “O” or “Mac” was also added in certain cases. The prefix “O” is thought to have originally signified descendant of and “Mac” meant son of. This prefix is found mostly in families of the Irish peasantry thereafter.
Callinan is an Irish surname, shared by many around the world, all of whom can trace their roots to Ireland and its ancient Celtic culture. From a farming past to leading the way, this surname's legacies are sure to remain alive in each of its bearers.
Order DNA origin analysisCallinan: Where does the name Callinan come from?
The last name Callinan is most commonly found in Ireland, Australia, and the United States.
In Ireland, the Callinan surname is most associated with the county of Galway. Descendants of Callinans are scattered throughout the country, mainly in the southern part.
In Australia, Callinans are prominently present in Victoria. Some have gone as far north as Queensland, but the majority are found in the lower part of the continent. The Victorian city of Mildura is known to have a large population of Callinans.
In the United States, the most populous states for Callinans are New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Most of the Callinans living in the US descend from Irish immigrants who moved to the US in the mid-19th century.
Callinans are also found in Canada, South Africa, Chile, and New Zealand. In recent decades, Callinans have emigrated in larger numbers to the US, Australia, and Canada.
It is possible to trace the Callinan surname back to the 12th century in Ireland. It is believed that the family takes its name from Irish Gaelic "Ceallachain", meaning "from the places of refuge”. Today, the name is popular in its original homeland as well as around the world.
Variations of the surname Callinan
Callinan is a surname of Irish and sometimes Scottish origin. It is an anglicised form of the Gaelic surname O'Cathalain. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Callinan include: Calinan, Callanan, Callenan, Callin, Callinane, Callinon, Callonan, O'Callinan, O'Callonan, O'Ceallachain, O'Ceallaghain, O'Cathalain, O'Cathalan, O'Kellaghan, and O'Kellahan.
The associated coat of arms usually depicts three sets of red chevrons on a silver background. In the Irish language, the surname is spelt Ó Cathaláin, with cathal meaning “battle” and áin as a suffix meaning “descendant of”.
The area associated with the origin of the name is mainly in County Waterford, where the rulers of the Desies took the name. It is believed that some of the family members may have migrated to Scotland during the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the United States, the immigration records included the surname Callinan, plus derivatives, from 1840 onward, but the majority of the records in America are from 1700 and after.
Another root of the Callinan name is derived from the Scottish Clan MacCallen, which is often found in the Western Highlands and Isles of Scotland. It is also associated with County Mayo in Ireland.
By the late 18th century, Callinan families had spread across the country and, as communities began to evolve, many skilled artisans and educated professionals made their mark. The surname today is still popular in Ireland, England, Scotland, and America.
Famous people with the name Callinan
- Jimmy Callinan: American professional pool player
- Jimmy Callinan: Australian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer
- Kieren Callinan: Australian comedy writer and radio host
- William J. Callinan: American political scientist and professor
- Joseph Patrick Callinan: American electrical engineer and Nobel Prize in Physics recipient
- Michael A. Callinan: American United States Navy four star admiral
- Martina Callinan: Australian model and actress
- Kelli Callinan: American actress
- A.J. Callinan: American professional baseball player
- Matthew Callinan: Australian TV presenter