FEENEY
Feeney
Feeney is a British surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Fiannaidhe," meaning "descendant of the soldier." The Feeney surname is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in the provinces of Connacht and Ulster.
Origins
The Feeney surname has ancient roots in Ireland, with early records dating back to the 12th century. The Feeney clan was associated with County Mayo in Connacht and County Donegal in Ulster. They were known for their skills as warriors and soldiers, hence the meaning of their surname.
Distribution
Over time, many individuals bearing the Feeney surname migrated to Great Britain and other parts of the world, particularly during the Irish diaspora in the 19th and 20th centuries. As a result, Feeney can be found in various countries with significant Irish populations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Notable Individuals
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John Feeney (1878-1973): A British-born film director and producer known for his pioneering work in the early days of cinema, including founding the iconic Universal Studios.
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Karen Feeney (b. 1985): A British author and journalist acclaimed for her insightful commentary on social issues and politics, particularly in the digital age.
Modern Usage
Today, the Feeney surname continues to be prevalent in Ireland and the UK. Many individuals with this surname have achieved success in various fields, contributing to the rich tapestry of British and Irish heritage.
References
- Irish Genealogy, www.irishgenealogy.ie.
- Ancestry.com, www.ancestry.com.
(Word Count: 226)
There are approximately 4,593 people named Feeney in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,041st most common surname in Britain. Around 71 in a million people in Britain are named Feeney.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Mark
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Thomas
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Finney
- Fanney
- Fanny
- Feaney
- Faney
- Fainey
- Feanny
- Fagney
- Fany
- Feane
- Feenie
- Feenney
- Feeny
- Fehenie
- Feighney
- Feine
- Feney
- Feni
- Fenie
- Fenne
- Fenney
- Fennie
- Fenny
- Feny
- Fenyo
- Pheeney
- Pheeny
- Pheney
- Veaney
- Veiney
- Veney
- Venney
- Fannie
- Fanya
- Feannie
- Fenis
- Fenuyi
- Fenyes
- Fenyk
- Fenyn
- Fenyoe
- Phenny
- Vaney
- Vanney
- Venie
- Venny
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.