Surname O'Heffernan - Meaning and Origin
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O'Heffernan: What does the surname O'Heffernan mean?
The last name O'Heffernan is a common Irish surname. It is derived from the Gaelic Ó hEimhirnin, which means "Horseman". This name is associated with noble families of the ui Eimhirnin, a clan descended from Cináed húa hEimhir, a 10th-Century King of Munster. Historically, the name was a hereditary title associated with the Dál gCais, a branch of the O'Briens, and was also adopted by families of lower social standing who identified themselves as gallowglass - professional mercenary warriors in Ireland.
Today, the O'Heffernan surname is mostly associated with Ireland and those of Irish descent. It can be found all around the world, thanks to the many waves of Irish immigration throughout history. As the surname has grown more common, some variations have emerged; Ó hAifirnin, Ó hEifearnáin, Ó Heffernan and O'Hiffernan are all accepted variants.
The name O'Heffernan evokes the proud heritage of the Irish and its links to the ancient clans of Gaelic lineage. With its resonance of history and noble heritage, the name serves to unite the rich ancestral tapestry which binds those bearing the surname and is a symbol of belonging for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Heffernan: Where does the name O'Heffernan come from?
The surname O'Heffernan is most commonly found today in Ireland. Ireland is known for its large population of people with Irish heritage, and the surname O'Heffernan is found in many families. O'Heffernan is an Irish surname that can trace its original roots back to the 11th century. It is derived from the Gaelic form of the personal name "Ó hEirchearáin".
The O'Heffernan name is found more prevalently in counties Cork, Limerick and Waterford in the Republic of Ireland. This is likely due to the strong Irish heritage found within those regions. The O'Heffernan name has spread to other parts of the country, however, with families sporting this name having been found in Galway, Kerry and Clare.
The surname has even spread to other parts of the world, including North America, with over 7,000 people in the United States alone with the surname O'Heffernan. In the UK, the O'Heffernan surname can be found frequently in Northern Ireland, as well as in other parts of the UK, such as London and Scotland.
The O'Heffernan name remains popular today and can trace its roots to a long family history of Irish heritage. Although it has spread to far-reaching places across the world, the surname still has its origins in Ireland and can still be found most prevalently in counties with a strong Irish background.
Variations of the surname O'Heffernan
The surname O'Heffernan is an Irish surname, which has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The original spelling of the surname was O hIfearnáin, meaning 'grandson of Ifearnán', where Ifearnán translates to 'lordly - One who has great honour'.
Common variants of this surname include Heffernan, Heffernon, O'Heffernan, O'Heffernon, MacHeffernan, MacHeffernon, Higheffernan, and Harron.
The surnames Hefferan, Heffry, Coffran, Offran, Offron, Ofrane, Griffin, O'Ferrin and Freenan also derive from the original spelling.
Heffernan, the most commonly used spelling of the surname, is typically spelled Heffernon in Scotland.
In the United States, the name is more commonly found as O'Hiffernan, O'Hiffernon, and Hiffernan. It is also sometimes spelled O'Jeffernan or O'Jiffernan.
In Australia, some variant spellings include Hiffernan, Jiffernan, Ifernan, O'Hifferman, and O'Hifferon.
Variations of the original spelling and other surnames related to O'Heffernan can be found throughout the world, depending on the country and location.
Famous people with the name O'Heffernan
- Margaret O'Heffernan: American businessperson and author
- Michael O'Heffernan: British Paralympic swimmer
- Dervla Kirwan: Irish actress
- Tim O'Heffernan: Irish politician
- Loftus O'Heffernan: Sri Lankan cricketer
- Declan O'Heffernan: Irish software engineer
- Robert O'Heffernan: Irish race walker
- Shawn O'Heffernan: Australian footballer
- Orla O'Heffernan: Irish sportswoman
- Matthew O'Heffernan: British actor