Family Crest Series

Anyone with the surname Flynn here? This name is an anglicised version of the Irish name Ó Floinn, which means ‘descendant of Flann' – a term that translates to 'reddish of complexion'.

The surname traces back to Colla Vais, a 14th-century king of Ireland. Throughout history, there were prominent Flynns in Cork and Roscommon. The name is now widespread across Ireland, with many found in north Connacht, Cork and Waterford.

Thompson is a popular name across English speaking countries around the world. The surname is of Scottish origin, and means “son of Thomas”. The root name, Thomas is derived from Aramaic, meaning “twin”. Thompson is an Anglicised version of the Gaelic name MacTamhais.

The name became prominent in Ireland from the 12th century and is one of the 50 most common names on the island. It’s particularly prominent in Ulster, with many in Counties Antrim, Down, Armagh and Fermanagh.

Any Callaghans or O’Callaghans here? The surname means descendant of Ceallachán, who was the Eóganachta King of Munster. It also derives from the personal name Cellach, which means “bright headed”.

The original Munster clan with the name Callaghan were lords in the south Cork region and later settled in east Clare. Another clan called Ó Ceileacháin were found across counties Armagh, Louth, Meath and Monaghan.

Are you an O'Brien, a Murphy, a Fitzgerald or a Byrne? Know any Dohertys, Kennedys, Hughes or Kellys? We've got your family crests right here, plus the intriguing stories behind them. Happy reading – oh, and don't forget to tell us about your connections to Ireland, too!

This surname is derived from the Irish name Domhnall, which means “descendant of Dónal”. It also has the meaning “world-mighty”, which is true of this surname as it’s one of the most famous in Irish history!

In medieval and early-modern times, the O’Donnell clan was based in the Kingdom of Tyrconnell in Donegal, where they eventually rose to become the most dominant clan, which lasted for over three centuries. The first recorded spelling of the surname is the clan’s chief, Godfrey O’Donnell, dating back to 1258. One notable trait of the clan is that the line of descendants of the clan remains unbroken to this day!

Any Duffys here? The original homeland of the Duffys was Connacht, where in ancient times, they held a family seat. There was also a prominent branch of the family based in Monaghan, where the name remains popular to this day. The surname is also prominent across Donegal, Mayo and Roscommon. In the north-east of the country, the area Lissonuffy is named after the family, such was their influence at the time. The surname means “the dark one”, or “black” (the Irish for “black” is “dubh”).

Any O'Mahonys here? The surname comes from the Gaelic O’Mathghamhna, which is derived from the Gaelic word ‘mathghaman’.   

This actually means bear and was a prominent name in Cork and Kerry, where many descendants can still be found. In Cork, the O'Mahonys had a strong connection around the Iveragh Peninsula, and Kinalmeaky near Bandon.

Anyone here with the surname Boyle? The name has multiple disputed meanings, from "having profitable pledges", to “peril” and “danger”. Boyle is derived from the old Irish name of Baigell. The O’Boyle surname is of true Irish descent – the clan had a prominent sept in County Donegal. Ballyweel, in Donegal, means home of the O’Boyles, and Doon Fort was built by the family. There are other Boyles who are descended from the Scottish Family of De Boyville.

The Boyles were also historically known for their ruddy complexion – so if you have any relatives with red hair or rosy cheeks, you know they're a true Boyle!

Is the surname Beeson Irish?

Hi Betty,

It looks like the name Beeson has it's origins in Cheshire, England. A family of the name Beeson lived at Beeston Castle.

There are some records on irishgeneaology.ie that carry the name Beeson if you are interested to see how the name moved through the island of Ireland.

If you are looking to dive into some records take a flick through these Irish Genealogy Resources.

Best,

Sean