Surname O'Herron - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
O'Herron: What does the surname O'Herron mean?
The last name O'Herron is an Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic language. It is derived from the Gaelic words “O’h-Aireamhain”, which translate to “heir” or “lawful successor” in English. This surname was most likely taken by people who were the descendants of a chief or another noble family in Medieval Ireland.
In ancient times, Irish family names were adopted by the people from their local leaders, making them important symbols of their aristocratic heritage and power. It is believed that the O'Herron surname was likely first used by a family of Irish Earls who ruled over the area of Leinster.
Today, the O'Herron surname is found in many parts of the world, including the United States, Ireland, and Australia, usually indicating that a family member has some Irish ancestry. It is most common in counties Clare, Limerick, Carlow, and Wexford in Ireland and in counties Cork, Donegal, and Mayo in Northern Ireland.
The O'Herron name is often associated with excellent leadership and verbal intelligence. Many O'Herrons have gone on to become successful lawyers, politicians, and leaders of business and industry. The name O'Herron offers its bearers a great deal of distinction.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Herron: Where does the name O'Herron come from?
The last name O'Herron is most common today in the United States, particularly in the Southwest region. In recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, O’Herron ranked amongst the top 1000 most common surnames in the United States. While it is most prominent in states such as New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas, the name is represented in all 50 states.
The O'Herron surname generally originates in Ireland and dates back to the 15th century. The name is associated with the MacCarthy Clan, with the O’Herron sept based in Munster. Notable figures associated with the last name include early 19th century American military leader General Thomas O’Herron, Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame offensive lineman Mark Tuinei, and US National Soccer Team legend Landon Donovan’s maternal grandmother, Leatrice O’Herron.
It is believed that the O'Herron name arrived in the United States with immigrants in the late 1700’s and 1800’s, primarily settling in the southern states. As the U.S. grew and new opportunities increased, many O’ Herrons began to migrate further out West, thereby increasing the prevalence of the name in states in this region.
Today the last name O’Herron affirms a proud lineage and a history of people who traveled and made a lasting impact in a new and unusual land. The representation around the U.S.,with strong concentrations in the Southwest, reflects the resilience of a people who refused to let geography dictate the limits of their dreams.
Variations of the surname O'Herron
The surname O'Herron is an Ulster-Irish name, which is derived from the Irish "O hEarchain". As an anglicized surname, the O'Herron name appears in a variety of forms, though they all refer to the same origin.
Variants of the O'Herron surname can include Herron, Hearn, Hearon, Harron, and O'Hearn. These variations usually resulted from mistranscriptions or variations in the Ulster dialect. In the early 1800s, O'Haran also emerged, likely as a result of immigrants who wanted a more localised name when settling in America.
In the 1800s, surnames were often shortened on census records and in other documents, resulting in variations such as Hear, Herr, and Herre. In a few cases, the spelling of O'Herron has also been adapted to include an apostrophe, such as O'Harron.
Today, the name O'Herron is most commonly found in Northern Ireland and the United States, but can also be found in other countries as a result of immigration. Throughout these different countries, the variations and spellings of the name have remained similar.
Famous people with the name O'Herron
- Sean O'Herron: Actor and filmmaker
- Kris O'Herron: Professional football player
- Mickey O'Herron: American bodybuilder
- A.C. O’Herron: American folklorist
- earning Alexander O’Herron: Poet and novelist
- Dusty O’Herron: Professional drag racer
- Fury O’Herron: Visual artist
- Walter O’Herron: Professional football player
- Charles O’Herron: American Civil War officer
- Cole O’Herron: American football player
- Sean O’Herron: Professional tennis player
- T.J. O’Herron: Professional baseball player
- Kattie O’Herron: American author
- Trish O’Herron: Olympic athlete