Hanly

Origins and Meaning

Hanly is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó hÁinle," meaning "descendant of Áinle." The name Áinle itself is believed to be derived from an Old Irish word meaning "champion" or "warrior," reflecting the historical links to strength and prowess.

History

The Hanly surname has roots in County Roscommon, Ireland, where the Ó hÁinle family were prominent and held land. Over time, members of the Hanly family spread to other parts of Ireland and, eventually, the surname made its way to Great Britain.

In Britain, individuals with the Hanly surname are found in various regions, with concentrations in areas historically associated with Irish migration, such as Liverpool, London, and Birmingham. The Hanly name has become more diverse and widespread through generations, with many individuals now bearing the surname across the UK.

Notable People

  • Joe Hanly (b. 1950) - A respected Irish folk singer and songwriter known for his contributions to the traditional music scene in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.

  • Eileen Hanly (b. 1975) - A British actress of Irish descent, recognised for her performances in stage productions and television dramas.

Variants

Over the years, variations of the Hanly surname have emerged due to different spellings and pronunciations. Variants of the name include Hanley, Handley, Hanley, and Hanly.

There are approximately 367 people named Hanly in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Hanly.

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

  • Anthony
  • Cyril
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Liam
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Russell
  • Sean
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Clare
  • Helen
  • Jessica
  • Judith
  • Julie
  • Laura
  • Lina
  • Marilyn
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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