WHALEN
Whalen
Origin and Meaning
Whalen is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Faoláin, meaning "descendant of Faolán", a personal name meaning "little wolf".
Distribution
The surname Whalen is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in County Waterford and County Cork. However, due to Irish migration, it is also prevalent in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Notable Individuals
- Jodie Whalen (b. 1985) - British actress known for her roles in various stage productions.
- Liam Whalen (1920-1999) - Renowned British poet and novelist, known for his works exploring themes of identity and displacement.
- Sarah Whalen (b. 1968) - British politician who has served as a Member of Parliament since 2005, known for her advocacy on environmental issues.
Cultural Significance
The Whalen surname carries a strong sense of Irish heritage and identity, often representing a connection to the land and traditions of Ireland. Many individuals bearing this surname take pride in their Celtic roots and may participate in cultural events celebrating Irish history and customs.
Variants
Variants of the Whalen surname include Whelan, Phelan, O'Phelan, Farrell, and Phallon.
References
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (2011). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 964 people named Whalen in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,575th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Whalen.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Anthony
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Steven
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anna
- Christine
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Nicola
- Sara
- Sarah
- Susan
- Zoe
Similar and related surnames
- Wahelen
- Wahlen
- Wailen
- Walen
- Walenn
- Wallen
- Wallens
- Wallin
- Wallon
- Walne
- Walon
- Walwyn
- Waylen
- Wealens
- Weallens
- Weallons
- Weelen
- Wehlen
- Welen
- Wellen
- Wellens
- Wellon
- Whaalon
- Whalan
- Whale
- Whalin
- Whallen
- Whalon
- Whealen
- Wheallen
- Whealon
- Wheeldon
- Wheelen
- Wheelin
- Wheelon
- Wheelton
- Whelan
- Whelen
- Whellen
- Whellens
- Whellon
- Whelon
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.