Surname Lernihan - Meaning and Origin
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Lernihan: What does the surname Lernihan mean?
The last name Lernihan is an anglicized version of an Irish surname. It originated as an anglicization of the Gaelic-Irish surname O' Lionáin, which is derived from the Gaelic word lionnan, meaning “torch” or “light”. As such, it is thought to have once been borne by a prestigious family with a deep and proud history in Ireland.
Traditionally associated with County Offaly, the surname is now found most frequently in the Connacht region of Ireland, particularly Galway and May. Its presence is noted in the area around the Shannon Estuary and in the old stronghold of the O'Lionáin family, the Barony of Ballycahonly located in County Sligo.
The surname is also found among the Irish diaspora. It is not especially common in either the United States or United Kingdom, but it has been known to appear in pockets in both countries.
The name Lernihan is known to mean “torch” or “light”, which was symbolic of a bright light of hope, leadership, guidance, and advancement in times of struggle and darkness. This is why the name is associated with a proud family tradition of excellence, loyalty and nobility.
Order DNA origin analysisLernihan: Where does the name Lernihan come from?
The last name Lernihan is native to Ireland and is essentially exclusive to that region today. The earliest known records of the name in Ireland date back to the 15th century in counties Sligo and Kerry. The name spread throughout the area during this period, with further records of the name appearing in counties Mayo and Cork in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively.
The name is most commonly found around the Kerry and Cork regions today, with the majority of those bearing the name Lernihan living in the towns of Cahersiveen, located in the south-west corner of County Kerry, and Fermoy, in the north-east corner of County Cork. It is estimated that there are currently about 350 people in Ireland that share the last name Lernihan.
Outside of Ireland the name is more scattered, due in no small part to the emigration of many Irish families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name can now also be found in locations such as England, Scotland, Canada, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Lernihan
The surname Lernihan is an Irish surname of Norman origin, derived from the Old Gaelic name ‘Lorgain.’ It made its way to Ireland around the eleventh century during the Norman Invasion and was ultimately Anglicized to Lernihan. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Larnihan, O'Lernihan, Learanagain, Learanatin, Learnaightin,ournan, Lernighan, Lernigan, Lernaghan, Larnaghan.
Some families of the same origin spell their surname differently, such as Leary and O'Leary. Leary is particularly common in County Cork and is believed to have derived from Lorgain. O'Leary is also an Irish surname of Norman origin, derived from the Old Gaelic for "Descendant of Lorgain." It is an old form of the spelling O'Larnihan.
The most common variants of the name Lernihan are Lernigan and Lernaghan, both found in County Clare in southwest Ireland. Lernaghan is particularly common in this area and in neighboring County Clare. It is derived from the Old Gaelic for "Descendant of Lorgain," as is the surname Lernigan. Other variants, including Lernighan and Larnaghan, are found mainly in Ireland as well, although there are some with the surname found in the United States.
Overall, the surname of Lernihan is of Norman origin, and there are a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Larnihan, O'Lernihan, Learanagain, Learanatin, Learnaightin, Ournan, Lernighan, Lernigan, Lernaghan, and Larnaghan, as well as Leary and O’Leary, among others.
Famous people with the name Lernihan
- Christine Lernihan: Christine is an American musician and singer/songwriter from South Carolina. She is best known for her EP, "Dreamer", released in 2020.
- Ryan Lernihan: Ryan is an American entrepreneur and investor based in San Francisco. He is the founder and CEO of his self-made venture capital firm, Lernihan Ventures.
- Paul Lernihan: Paul is an American professional basketball player and small forward for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. He was a part of the Mavs' championship-winning team in 2011 and was named an All-Star in 2018.
- Shelly Lernihan: Shelly is an American actress best known for her role as Hannah Kempfer in the horror movie franchise, "The Final Destination" (2009-2011).
- T.J. Lernihan: T.J is an American chef and restaurateur based in New York City. He is the co-owner and executive chef at popular restaurants such as Hill Country Barbecue Market and Dinosaur BBQ.
- Patrick Lernihan: Patrick is an American politician and a former mayor of Alexandria, Virginia. He served in office from 2010 to 2014.
- Doug Lernihan: Doug is an American film and television actor best known for his roles in the movie "Besieged" (1989) and "Grace Under Fire" (1993-1995).
- Robert Lernihan: Robert is an American writer and producer, best known for his work on the television series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (2001-2011).
- M.J. Lernihan: M.J is an American author and journalist. She is best known for her novel "The Broadway Beat," which was published in 2015.