What is the origin of the last name Flynn?
Countries of origin for the last name Flynn
The last name Flynn is a surname of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Ó Floinn, meaning “descendant of Flann.” Flann, in turn, is an Irish personal name derived from the Gaelic word flann, which means “red” or “ruddy.” The name Flynn can also be traced back to the Gaelic word “flann,” which is often associated with the color red in Irish literature.
The Flynn surname has a long history in Ireland, with records of its use dating back to the 9th century. It is most commonly found in the western part of Ireland, particularly in County Mayo and County Roscommon, where the Flynn clan held considerable influence. Over time, descendants of the Flynn clan spread throughout the country and eventually emigrated to other parts of the world, including the United States.
In the United States, the Flynn surname is relatively common, particularly among those of Irish descent. It is estimated that there are thousands of individuals with the last name Flynn residing in the country. The large number of Flynns in the United States can be attributed to historical waves of Irish immigration, particularly during the mid-19th century as a result of the Great Famine.
Notable individuals with the surname Flynn include Brendan Flynn, an American football player; Errol Flynn, a famous Australian-American actor known for his swashbuckling roles; and Flynn Robinson, an American professional basketball player. These individuals have contributed to the recognition and prominence of the Flynn surname in various fields.
The meaning of the Flynn surname may vary depending on the specific family lineage. However, the general interpretation of the name “descendant of Flann” and its association with the color red or ruddy provides insight into the possible characteristics or attributes associated with the name. Red is often associated with vitality, warmth, and passion, which may be seen as reflective of the Flynn family heritage.
Interesting facts about the last name Flynn
- Flynn is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Floinn, meaning “descendant of Flann.” Flann is derived from the Gaelic word for “red” or “ruddy.”
- The Flynn surname is primarily of Irish origin, and it originated in County Roscommon in the western part of Ireland.
- The Flynns were an ancient Gaelic clan, who were known for their military prowess and leadership abilities.
- Several prominent historical figures have borne the surname Flynn, including Irish poet Thomas Flynn, American physician Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, and Australian Rules football player Nathan Flynn.
- The surname Flynn has spread beyond Ireland over the centuries, and it can be found in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
- In recent times, the surname Flynn has gained considerable recognition due to the actor Errol Flynn, who was known for his roles in swashbuckling adventure films during the 1930s and 1940s.
- Flynn is a relatively common surname, ranking 94th in the list of most common surnames in Ireland.
Name Rank
#534
There are around 63400 people with the last name Flynn in the US