Lenehan

Lenehan is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name Lēodhæhnn, which is a compound of the elements "lēod" meaning 'people' and "hæhnn" meaning 'high'. The name is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Ireland.

History

The Lenehan surname has ancient roots dating back to medieval times. It is believed to have been introduced to England during the Anglo-Saxon invasion and settlement of the British Isles in the early Middle Ages. The name is thought to have spread to Ireland during subsequent waves of immigration and settlement.

Distribution

The surname Lenehan is most commonly found in regions of England and Ireland with historical ties to the Anglo-Saxon and Irish populations. Variations of the name, such as Leanahan and Lenihan, can also be found in other English-speaking countries.

Notable Individuals

  • James Lenehan: A prominent journalist and author known for his investigations into political corruption.
  • Mary Lenihan: A respected academic and researcher in the field of modern history, particularly focused on the Tudor period.

Legacy

The Lenehan surname is a testament to the shared history between England and Ireland. It exemplifies the enduring connections and influences that have shaped the cultural and genetic makeup of these nations over centuries.


This entry provides a brief overview of the British surname Lenehan, detailing its history, distribution, notable individuals, and legacy.

There are approximately 486 people named Lenehan in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Lenehan.

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
  • Brian
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Terence
  • William

Female

  • Andrea
  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Clare
  • Grainne
  • Karen
  • Kathleen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Maureen
  • Patricia
  • Sally
  • Siobhan
  • 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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