Surname Wheallen - Meaning and Origin
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Wheallen: What does the surname Wheallen mean?
The last name Wheallen is of Irish origin and is thought to be derived from the old Gaelic surname O'Faoillain, which translates as 'descendant of Faolán'. The name Faolán is derived from the old Irish word 'faol' which referred to a wolf or vixen.
The variations of the name that we find today include Whealon, Whealon, Wheling, Wheeldon and Whellon.
This surname is particularly widespread in counties Kerry and Donegal. In addition, is associated with the Northeastern regions of the United States.
Those bearing the Wheallen name can trace their roots back to the 12th century and a man by the name of Dermot O'Faoillain, Lord of Hy-Fiachra, County Galway. Later, the Wheallens were established in the Borders of counties Tyrone and Donegal, where they held a family seat.
The Wheallens were renowned for their often fierce independence, and they were loyal to their families and their clans. They were skilled warriors and were renowned across the old Irish borders for their resistance against the English invaders. The Wheallens were also known for their generosity and hospitality, and during their times of difficulty they often relied on the kindness of their fellow countrymen.
Today, the Wheallens are found in many corners of the world due to their earlier migration to the United States. They are a proud people who are interested in preserving their Irish heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisWheallen: Where does the name Wheallen come from?
The last name Wheallen is quite commonly found throughout the United States today. In particular, it is most prevalent in the New England region, with the highest concentrations located in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire.
The Wheallen surname is of English or Irish origin and is most likely derived from the personal Irish name, Whelan, or the English word meaning "rendezvous."
In the United States the most recent numbers from the 2000 census show that Wheallen was the 1,447th most common last name recorded. This puts the Wheallen last name well into the top 1500 most common American surnames.
Wheallen is also a fairly common last name in Canada. This is backed up by recent census data which has reported that Wheallen is the 6,408th most popular name in Canada.
Given its prevalence in both the US and Canada, Wheallen is sure to be a name that can be traced back to a handful of countries and cultures, including Ireland and England.
Variations of the surname Wheallen
The surname Wheallen has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Whealan, Wheelan, Whelan, Whalen, Whelen, Whellan, Whilling, Whelling, Whellen and Whellon.
Most of these variants evolved through different spellings of the name due to language and cultural influences over time. In Ireland, the name Wheallen has been anglicised from the Irish Ó Faoláin. The name has also been anglicised in other countries such as Scotland, England, Wales, and Australia.
The name Wheallen can also be found in variants such as Whellan, Whelan, Whealan, Whalen, Whelen, Whellan, Whelling, Whellen, and Whellon. This is due to the name being translated to have the same meaning in different languages or dialects, as well as being altered or shortened for easier pronunciation among different cultures or regions.
The Wheallen surname can also be found in various forms such as Whilling, Willie, Wheelie and Whelly. These variants are generally used as nicknames, and often have the same spelling.
The Wheallen surname is relatively widespread across the English-speaking world. Its bearers can be found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other countries.
Famous people with the name Wheallen
- Kim Wheallen: Kim Wheallen is an American soccer player who plays as a central midfielder for Sky Blue FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
- James Wheallen: James Wheallen is an American actor and writer known for his roles in Tides of War (2008) and The Undefeated (2011).
- Chester C. Wheallen, Jr.: Chester C. Wheallen, Jr. is an American lawyer and the President of the Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland.
- Libby Wheallen: Libby Wheallen is an American light sculptor and composer known for her installations and concerts that involve light, music, poetry, and augmented reality.
- Brad Wheallen: Brad Wheallen is an American restaurateur and investor who has founded multiple companies, including the American restaurant chain Ki’s Steak & Sea House.
- Kisha Wheallen: Kisha Wheallen is an American artist who works with many mediums, including photography, drawing, printing, mixed media, and fiber arts.
- Trudy Wheallen: Trudy Wheallen is an American artist best known for her quilted and dyed pieces that explore color, texture, and composition.
- Mel Wheallen: Mel Wheallen is an American chef best known for his involvement in Food Network’s Chopped and the television series Fish or Cut Bait.
- Evan Wheallen: Evan Wheallen is an American motocross and mountain bike racer who has competed in multiple X Games and World Cup events.