Surname Kearney - Meaning and Origin

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H. Kearney

Kearney: What does the surname Kearney mean?

The last name Kearney is of Irish origin and derives from the Gaelic term "Ciarán" or "Ceathrún," which means "dark-haired" or "black." It also signifies a "warrior" or a "soldier," showing a symbol of bravery and courage. The name may also suggest someone who comes from a place called Ceathrú, which implies a quarter piece of land. This surname was prevalent in counties Kerry and Mayo in Ireland. Variations of the surname include Carney, Carnie, O'Kearney and others. It is an example of the many Gaelic names that have a descriptive origin, referring to physical characteristics or personality traits of the original bearer. Famous individuals with the last name Kearney include actor and comedian Bob Kearney and Irish professional golfer Pádraig Kearney.

Kearney: Where does the name Kearney come from?

The last name Kearney is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic "Ó Cearnaigh," which means "descendant of Cearnaigh". The name Cearnaigh is composed of two elements - 'cearn' meaning victorious and 'ach' referring to a person. So, it indirectly refers to a victorious person.

In Ireland, it is particularly associated with counties Tipperary and Mayo. However, in the aftermath of the Irish Famine in the 19th century and due to other socio-economic conditions, many Irish people, including those with the Kearney surname, emigrated to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

Therefore, today, the surname Kearney is common in these countries as well as in Ireland. In the United States, there are several individuals with the Kearney surname who have made significant contributions in diverse fields such as sports, politics, arts, and more. But it is also found across the world wherever there is the Irish diaspora. Despite its dispersal, Kearney remains a name deeply rooted in Irish history and identity.

Variations of the surname Kearney

The surname Kearney is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Cearnaigh or Ó Cearnaigh, meaning "victorious" or "the son of the victorious one". There are several variants and spellings of the surname Kearney due to regional differences and anglicization of the original Gaelic names.

Alternative spellings and variants of the surname Kearney can include Kearny, Kearne, Kearnie, and Kearnie. In Ireland, it may be spelled Cearney or even Carney. The prefix "O'" signifying "descendant of" can also be attached, as in O'Kearney or O'Kearny.

The surnames Keirnan, Kieran, Kerin, and Kerins can also be considered related, as they originate from another form of the same Gaelic root Ó Ciaráin or Ó Ciaráin.

Sometimes the surname can be listed under different spellings due to an individual's or enumerator's personal preference, phonetic spelling, or anglicization. Therefore, when researching the surname Kearney, it would be beneficial to consider these alternative spellings as the same individual could be listed under different spellings in various documents.

Famous people with the name Kearney

• Mat Kearney: An American musician and songwriter known for blending elements of pop, folk, and hip-hop into his music. His famous songs include "Nothing Left to Lose" and "Hey Mama."
• Rob Kearney: An Irish rugby union player who played for Leinster and the Ireland national team. He is one of the most decorated players in the history of Irish rugby.
• Andrew Kearney: An Irish visual artist known for his large-scale installations.
• S. Epatha Merkerson: She is an American actress best known for her roles on "Law & Order", born Sharon Epatha Kearney.
• Geoffrey Kearney: An Australian politician who was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly.
• Dennis Kearney: An Irish-American political activist known for his role in the California labor movement of the late 19th century.
• Bob Kearney: An American former professional baseball player who played as a catcher in Major League Baseball.
• Phil Kearney: A U.S. Army officer, was one of the foremost Union commanders in the American Civil War.
• Kearney Zzyzwicz: A fictional character in the animated TV series "The Simpsons."
• Neal Kearney: A professional surfer from Santa Cruz, California.

Other surnames

KearnKearnsKearny