Surname Kellahan - Meaning and Origin
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Kellahan: What does the surname Kellahan mean?
The last name Kellahan is of Irish origin and is a variant of the Gaelic name O’Ceallaigh, which means “one of the sons of Ceallach”. Ceallach (or Ceallagh) was a popular name in ancient Ireland believed to originate from the same root as “caol”, which means “slender”, “graceful” or “gracious”. It is believed that the name Kellahan was derived from o'Ceallaigh, the genitive form of the phrase, and was most likely used as a form of identification to distinguish between members of the same family.
Throughout Irish history, the Kellahan family has been associated with a variety of occupations, from being predominantly agrarian, to becoming prominent tradesmen, merchants and businessmen. Furthermore, the family was closely linked to the Royal and Chieftain families of Ireland.
The Kellahan surname is most commonly associated with County Offaly, but is also found in other parts of Ireland such as Galway and Dublin. The name continues to be used and recognized throughout the world. It is believed that the name is chosen by some families as an homage to their Irish heritage, while others may choose the name Kellahan simply because they find it a pleasant sounding surname.
In either case, the surname Kellahan carries a deep-rooted connection to Irish history and culture, and continues to be an important part of many family identities.
Order DNA origin analysisKellahan: Where does the name Kellahan come from?
The last name Kellahan is found predominantly in Ireland, the US, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. It is one of the few Irish surnames that is shared by people of more than one ethnicity. The origin of the Kellahan name is uncertain. It may have derived from a variety of sources, including the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Céileacháin, which means “descendant of Ceileachán”, or from an Anglicization of the Irish word “ceallachán”, meaning “timid”.
In Ireland, the surname is most commonly found in counties Clare, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Galway, and Donegal. These counties are known for the large populations of Irish-Gaelic speakers. In the US, it is mainly found in Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. Kellahan has also been adopted by individuals with family origins in Germany, France, and Poland.
In Canada, the Kellahan name is found throughout the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. The provinces are home to many descendants of Irish settlers. In Mexico, Kellahan families are mainly found in the states of Jalisco and Puebla. Australian residents with the Kellahan surname primarily come from Irish and English heritage.
The name Kellahan has been embraced by many people around the world, and while it may have been born in Ireland, today it has become a truly global surname.
Variations of the surname Kellahan
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kellahan include Celahane, Kelleghan, O'Celahane, Kellaghan, Kellechan, Kelleghan, Killegham, Killegam, O'Celahan, O'Kileghan and O'Killegam.
Kellahan is an Irish surname originating from the Gaelic phrases “Ceallachán” and “O'Ceallacháin” meaning “descendant of Ceallachán” or “of an attendant of a church.” The Gaelic phrase “Ceallachán” is derived from the word “ceallach” which means “warrior.”
Kellahan is an important surname of Irish origin, with recorded appearances from the 16th century. Variations of the name have led to it becoming one of the most numerous surnames in Ireland. The earliest recorded incarnation of the name is found in the works of Robert Map in 1576, where it is recorded as O'Cellacain.
In Ireland, the Kellahan family name was primarily found in counties Galway and south Leinster, with many members of the Kellahan family residing in the town of Carlow. The Kellahan family eventually branched out and moved to America in the late 19th century, where they adopted the version of their name currently seen in the United States, Kellahan.
The anglicization of the name has also led to it becoming popular in countries such as Australia, England, New Zealand, and Scotland, with the name becoming one of the most frequently found in these countries. It also has become popular in other parts of Europe, with instances of the name being found in Poland, Romania, and other east European countries.
In all, the Kellahan surname is still quite popular today with Rahan, Kelleghan and O'Celahane being the most common surnames of the same origin. With its strong Irish roots and many variations, the Kellahan surname is one that has been well established in many parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Kellahan
- Joe Kellahan: American actor and voice actor.
- Art Kellahan: Canadian professional hockey player.
- David Kellahan: British actor and television presenter.
- Ryan Kellahan: American professional basketball player.
- Mark Kellahan: Canadian Paralympic javelin thrower.
- Brendan Kellahan: Irish singer and songwriter.
- Nick Kellahan: Australian film director and producer.
- Grace Kellahan: American singer and actress.
- Sandy Kellahan: American country music artist.
- Kim Kellahan: Australian Rugby League player.
- Bob Kellahan: English comedian and actor.
- Sean Kellahan: American Television Producer and Hollywood Screenwriter.
- Jesse Kellahan: American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
- Tim Kellahan: American cinematographer and producer.
- Lucille Kellahan: American poet, editor and illustrator.
- Maurice Kellahan: Irish dramatist and theatre critic.
- Nicky Kellahan: Irish radio host and producer.
- John Kellahan: Irish actor, musician and director.
- Draco Kellahan: American professional wrestler.
- Hope Kellahan: American film and television actress.