Surname Behan - Meaning and Origin
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Behan: What does the surname Behan mean?
The surname Behan (also spelt Bhean, Bean, O Beagain, O Bheagain, and various other phonetically similar spellings) is an ancient Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "ó'cómhain" which means descendant of Cómán, a personal name written in mythological stories as Conán.
The origin of the Behan surname is from County Clare, located in the ancient province of Munster, in the Ireland’s mid-western region. This surname was most common in County Clare, and can still be found there today. It is believed that the two main branches of the Behan family are located to the south-west of Clare, in the district of Scarriff, and to the east of Clare, in the village of Kilnamona.
The Behan surname was often taken by those born into a sept or family group. An example of this is the O’Dorney sept, in which the Behan surname was often adopted when a member married someone outside of the sept. This would have allowed members of the family to retain the traditional family name. This practice has likely contributed to the wide range of phonetically similar spellings for the Behan surname.
The origin of the Behan name can also be traced to a variety of immigrant sources from as far back as the 8th century, when the country was invaded by the Vikings. As a result of the tumultuous repair that followed, many Irish families were forced to emigrate, some of whom eventually settled in England and Scotland.
In modern times, the Behan surname is still used in Ireland, Scotland and England, and is often found in the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. The modern day spelling of Behan, although sometimes unchanged, can also be found as Beene, Bhean, Bean, Bheane, and various phonetically similar spellings.
Order DNA origin analysisBehan: Where does the name Behan come from?
The surname Behan is quite common throughout Ireland and the UK, with the highest concentration being in County Galway. In the United States, the name is less common but can still be found in areas with a higher ratio of residents with Irish ancestry, namely on the East Coast in states such as Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania. Behan is thought to be an Irish variant of the English surname Bohan, which can be traced back to the 11th Century. There is corresponding evidence that the Irish Behan family descends from a group of settlers who arrived in Ireland in the first millennium. Further evidence suggests that the family descends from the noble Donegal family of Uí Baoighealláin (O'Bannons).
Most recently, Behan has been used as a first name in pop culture and the arts, often associated with individuals who embrace their Irish heritage. For example, the American author and poet Shane Behan is known for her inspiring and uplifting works that often honor Irish culture and history. The name is also linked with the renowned Irish artist and novelist Patrick Behan, who is particularly renowned for his book “Farewell to Maigue” which recounts the struggles of Irish farmers during the potato famine.
Variations of the surname Behan
The surname Behan has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variants are: Bohan, Beghan, Beene, Beane, Buhan, Beheen, and Behi. Depending on where in the world the surname was used, the spelling could also be different, such as Behanne, Behean, Beheanne, Behon, Beuhne, Beuhan, Beghane, Behehne, Beheen, Beean, Behen, Bheen, Bhen, and Bhehn.
Surnames of the same origin for the surname Behan include: O'Behan, O'Beane, O'Behane, McBehan, McBean, McBeaine, McBeen, McBeene, McBheen, MacBehen, MacBehenney, McGheen, McGheene, MacBehene, MacBehanney, MacBehan, MacBeane, MacBeean, MacBehn, MacBeain, and MacBein.
Other spelling variations in different languages include: Behane, Behain, Behinn, Bihan, Biahan, Biehan, Beuhan, Biehanne, Begehn, Beggem, and Begen.
In total, there are more than 50 different variants, spelling variations, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Behan. Each variation and spelling change is reflective of the person or family's geographical location and when they decided to adopt the surname.
Famous people with the name Behan
- Brendan Behan- Irish poet, novelist, dramatist, and portrait painter
- Liam Behan- Irish footballer
- Brian Behan- Brother of Brendan Behan and Irish playwright and political activist
- Peggy Behan- Actress, singer, and television personality
- Kevin Behan- American mixed martial arts fighter
- Max Behan- Actor, director, writer, and producer
- Anne Behan- Award-winning author
- John Behan- Irish sculptor
- Jennifer Behan- American stage and film actress
- P. J. Behan- Irish cricketer and sports journalist