Flynn - Irish Surname Origin & Meaning
Irish form: Ó Floinn
Meaning: “ruddy, red-complexioned”
Traditional stronghold: Cork, Roscommon
Pronunciation: FLIN; Irish O Floinn: oh FLIN
History of the Flynn name
O Floinn, meaning 'descendant of Flann' (ruddy or red-haired), was borne by several distinct septs across Ireland, the most notable based in Sligo/Roscommon and another in Cork and Antrim. The Roscommon O Flynns held territory known as Sil Maelruain before being displaced by the O Conors, while the Cork branch, lords of Muskerry, were more enduring. Because the name arose independently in multiple regions, it became one of the most numerous surnames in the country. It anglicised early and uniformly to Flynn, with the O prefix largely dropped by the 19th century. The name spread widely with emigration and is now common across Ireland, Britain, the US and Australia.
Variants: O'Flynn · Flin
Famous bearers of the name
- Errol Flynn - Hollywood actor of Irish-Australian descent, star of swashbuckler films
- Elizabeth Flynn - Irish politician and Teachta Dala
- Jerome Flynn - actor known for Game of Thrones and Soldier Soldier
- Barbara Flynn - English actress of Irish heritage
Related names from the same part of Ireland: Murphy · Kelly · O'Sullivan · O'Connor · McCarthy · Murray · Daly · Brennan